PursuitWatch Statute

Florida adopts changes to Fleeing and Eluding Statute Back

On June 30 Gov. Jeb Bush signed into law HB 295, introduced by Florida State Rep. Pat Patterson(R). Among other important changes, the bill increases penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer and aggravated fleeing or eluding. Fleeing or attempting to elude has been upgraded to a 3rd degree felony carrying a maximum sentence of 5 years. Aggravated Fleeing remains a 2nd degree felony with a maximum sentence of 15 years. An additional category of Aggravated Fleeing was added when serious bodily harm or death occurs as a result and is classified as a first degree felony with a maximum sentence of 30 years.