Title: Classified Advertisement Websites

Summary: Authorizing local governmental bodies to designate a specified number of safe-haven facilities in each county based upon population size; authorizing a local governmental body to approve the use of local government buildings to serve as safe-haven facilities, etc.

Full Text:
WHEREAS, there have been a number of cases throughout this state in which people selling cellphones, computers, or other valuable goods through classified advertisement websites have been targeted by criminals who intended to rob them when they met to exchange goods for cash, and WHEREAS, even when the victims of these crimes select public and populated locations for the transactions that they feel are safe, such as shopping centers or parks, they still fall prey to these criminals, and WHEREAS, identifying locations to serve as safe havens for transactions related to classified advertisement websites will deter these crimes and provide greater safety throughout the state, NOW, THEREFORE, Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: Section 1. Section 501.180, Florida Statutes, is created to read: 501.180   Safe-haven facilities.  (1)   As used in this section, the term  safe-haven facility  means a public local government building approved by the local governmental body to be used by the public for the purpose of conducting a sales transaction involving an item or a service that was offered for sale on a classified advertisement website. (2)   Local governmental bodies may designate at least: (a)   One safe-haven facility in each county with a population of less than 250,000 residents. (b)   Two safe-haven facilities in each county with at least 250,000 but less than 800,000 residents. (c)   Four safe-haven facilities in each county with 800,000 or more residents. (3)   A safe-haven facility must be easily accessible so that an individual is not discouraged from using the location. A local governmental body may approve the use of a public local government building, such as a sheriff s office or a county courthouse, to serve as a safe-haven facility. (4)   A local governmental entity, or its officers, employees, or agents, that provides a safe-haven facility is not responsible for overseeing the sales transaction and is not otherwise liable for the actions of the parties involved in the transaction or nonparties present at the transaction. (5)   An action may not be initiated on a claim against the state or local government or any of its agencies or subdivisions based on an incident that occurs during a sales transaction at a safe-haven facility involving an individual who is not an officer, employee, or agent of the state or local government or of its agencies or subdivisions. Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2016.