DeSantis signs bill combatting those who scam the elderly, those with disabilities, more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation on Friday combatting organized schemes built to defraud Floridians.

HB 1171, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Steele, R-Dade City, and Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, defines punishments for organized defrauding schemes that individuals partake in.

If an individual participates in the organized defrauding scheme of $50,000 or more, the person is charged with a first degree felony. If they defraud $20,000 or more, but less than $50,000, they receive a second degree felony. Finally, if they defraud less than $20,000, they receive a third degree felony.

The bill also issues misdemeanors or felonies to individuals attempting to defraud people online, depending on the value of property they are attempting to take.

Additionally, the bill defines legal protections for people whose name, image or likeness were used without their consent in an organized defrauding scheme.

Finally, it provides for increased penalties on schemes intended to defraud more vulnerable Floridians, such as senior citizens, minors, and mentally and physically disabled people.

The legislation is set to go into effect on Oct. 1.