Florida lawmakers introduce bills that would criminalize storming fields, courts at sporting events

Sports fans in Florida may soon think twice about storming the field or court after their favorite college team scores a big win. Several bills have been introduced in the Florida legislature to criminalize court storming and field storming. according to WCTV in Tallahassee.

One of the bills, SB 764, also called Interference with Sports or Recreational Activities, was introduced by Republican Senator Cory Simon, a former Florida football star. If SB 764 passes, entering a “covered area” in a stadium or arena would be considered a first-degree offense. The penalty for violating this law is up to a year in prison or a $2,500 fine.

The bill defines an “indoor area” as “any area for the use of players, coaches, officials, entertainers, or indoor event management personnel located in or adjacent to the performance or game area.” The bill can be read in full here..

Not only will the storming of the court be punished, but also anyone who throws, drops or throws objects into the “covered area”.

The nearly identical bill HB 319 was introduced in the House of Representatives by Republican Taylor Yarkosky. If any of the bills are passed by the relevant authorities and signed into law by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the new laws will go into effect on October 1.

That means college football fans in Florida in the first month of the 2023 season will have to quench their thirst for field assaults, unless they want legal trouble.