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.

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.

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.

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.

Can you believe that 2024 is almost here? With that being said this article will give you "5 Florida laws that go into effect January 1st, 2024." It's Florida so you may think these new laws are going to be bizarre but they're honestly not that bad.

House Bill 543 went into effect on July 1st  and it has caused a lot of controversy. This bill states that a person who wishes to carry a concealed weapon or firearm can do so without obtaining and maintaining a concealed weapon or concealed firearm license.

Even though you no longer need a permit, I still recommend that everyone take the class. Taking the class has made me a responsible gun owner, I learned about gun safety and the proper protocols of when to use it. If you want to own a gun but have never used one, do yourself a favor and take the class! While there are people against this law, others think that this law going to effect is one of the best things to happen in our state.

I think I already know what you're going to say. Most of us do want recreational marijuana passed in Florida. I thought this law would be passed before the permit-less carry but I guess not. Do you think it will ever pass? I think we can expect to see it on the ballot in the 2024 elections. Feel free to email me Babs@wild941.com.

I also wish there was a law where the rent prices in Florida could be capped. It seems like rent goes up every year and our places are not being upgraded. If you're going to keep raising the rent, at least upgrade the fridge, television, washer, etc.

Below are 5 new Florida laws that will go into effect January 1st, 2024! Be safe and Happy Holidays.

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

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

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

House Bill 1275 which is also known as the “Protect Our Loved Ones” Act, will allow local law enforcement agencies to develop and maintain a database, known as a “Persons with Disabilities Registry.” This bill may assist officers in their official duties by preparing them to respectfully and appropriately interact with an individual enrolled in the registry who has a relevant disability or condition. Read More 

House Bill 1277 personal identifying information relating to enrollment of people in the special persons registry & persons enrolled in special persons registry will be exempt from public records. The bill authorizes local law enforcement agencies to disclose confidential & exempt information to certain persons under certain circumstances; provides for exempt status of such information held by those individuals. Read More