FL H0189

Elevates keeping a gambling house from a 2nd degree misdemeanor to a 3rd degree felony, with escalating penalties for repeat offenders and employees; renting property for gambling becomes a 3rd degree felony (1st offense) or 2nd degree felony (subsequent offenses)

Creates new criminal offense for government employees who knowingly certify, license, approve, aid, facilitate, or conceal gambling house operations: 3rd degree felony for first offense, 2nd degree felony for subsequent offenses

Establishes internet gambling and internet sports wagering as criminal offenses, with operating or promoting such activities classified as a 3rd degree felony; exempts tribal gaming compact activities and chapter 550 pari-mutuel wagering

Legalizes fantasy sports contests under specific conditions: outcomes must be determined predominantly by accumulated statistical results of more than one athlete, prizes must be disclosed before entry, and winning must reflect participant knowledge and skill

Strengthens Florida Gaming Control Commission ethics requirements with 2-year employment restrictions before, during, and after service; expands prohibitions to include any entity conducting fantasy sports contests and betting activities

Redefines "ultimate equitable owner" to include any natural person with ownership interest (removing previous 5% threshold) and requires commission approval for transfer of any stock or ownership evidence in pari-mutuel operations

Creates declaratory statement process allowing federally-chartered veterans' organizations to petition the Commission within 60 days to determine if amusement machines comply with gambling laws

Adds new 3rd degree felony for betting on athletic contests with knowledge that results are prearranged, and for physical tampering or using devices to manipulate card games in licensed cardrooms

Authorizes summary license suspension and revocation for gambling violations, with fines up to $75,000 for any conviction; affects licenses issued by DBPR, Gaming Control Commission, and Office of Financial Regulation

Voids harness horse and thoroughbred permits if permitholders fail to pay required taxes for 2 consecutive fiscal years, with no reissuance except for uncontrollable events such as fire, strike, war, hurricane, or pandemic