Illegal Body Dumping Could Become A Felony In Florida
Dumping a body isn’t usually a thought to cross the average person’s mind. If you find a dead body, your first instinct is to call the police. Not that I have experience in finding dead bodies, but reporting it would be the first logical step. A new Florida Bill is aiming to make illegal body dumping in Florida a felony charge.
Why are people dumping bodies in Florida?
You’re probably thinking that the only people dumping bodies are murderers, but that’s not always the case. In many cases, someone might have overdosed on a drug dealer’s couch, and in a panic, the drug dealer ditches the body to cover their tracks. With the current laws in place, investigators can’t get a search warrant to look for the body because it is only considered a misdemeanor.
In 2022 in Manatee County, an alleged drug dealer, William Redden, faced charges of ditching the body of a 38-year-old woman in a ditch. The woman had overdosed in Redden’s house and without calling the police, he disposed of the body in a ditch.
On the other hand, an elderly person may pass away and a family member or companion may dispose of the body instead of reporting it to the police. They might want to cash in on the social security checks or Medicaid that the person had been receiving.
What are the current charges for illegally dumping a body in Florida?
Dumping a body in Florida without the proper documentation is considered a misdemeanor charge. Under section 497.386, transporting human remains without a permit is considered a first-degree misdemeanor. Under section 403.413, if you are caught illegally dumping human remains, you face second-degree misdemeanor charges.
Captain Antorrio Wright with the Orange County Sheriff’s office said, “The statue already exists. The issue is that it’s a misdemeanor. It’s not one of those misdemeanor exceptions, so we can’t get a warrant for it.” Deputies told the lawmakers that with the current laws in place, it is hurting their investigations.
How would Florida’s SB 768 Bill crack down on illegal body dumping?
Dumping or handling a dead body is illegal any way you shake it unless you’re a funeral home or given authority by the government. State Sen. Linda Stewart – D first filed the paperwork for SB 768 back in December 2023. SB 768 is known as the ‘Duty to Report Certain Deaths’ and says that any person must report a death when it occurs. Anyone who fails to report the death would face third-degree felony charges under the bill.
If this bill is passed, it will go into effect on July 1, 2024. To learn more about the bill that would make body dumping in Florida a felony, click here.
5 Florida Laws That Go Into Effect January 1, 2024
Sheriffs Providing Child Protective Investigative Services
House Bill 7071 will require the transfer of child protective investigation services from the seven sheriff’s offices that provide those services back to the Department of Children and Families. DCF currently has contracts with Walton, Seminole, Hillsborough, Pasco Broward, Manatee and Pinellas counites. This transfer will make the DCF the only entity performing child protective investigations in Florida. Read More
State Park Campsite Reservations
House Bill 109 allows Florida residents to reserve state park campsites and cabins one month before non Florida residents. Florida residents can reserve an RV, tent, boat, and equestrian camping up to 11 months in advance. Non Florida Residents can reserve up to 10 months in advance. Florida residents mush show proof that they live in the state. Read More
Pretrial Release and Detention
House Bill 1627 says that only a judge may set, reduce or otherwise alter a defendant’s bail. Also requires that the Florida Supreme Court adopt a uniform statewide bond schedule. Read More
