1998 Florida Code
TITLE XXIV VESSELS
Chapter 327 Vessels: Registration And Safety  
327.35215   Penalty for failure to submit to test.

327.35215  Penalty for failure to submit to test.--

(1)  A person who is lawfully arrested for an alleged violation of s. 327.35 and who refuses to submit to a blood test, breath test, or urine test pursuant to s. 327.352 is subject to a civil penalty of $500.

(2)  When a person refuses to submit to a blood test, breath test, or urine test pursuant to s. 327.352, a law enforcement officer who is authorized to make arrests for violations of this chapter shall file with the clerk of the court, on a form provided by the department, a certified statement that probable cause existed to arrest the person for a violation of s. 327.35 and that the person refused to submit to a test as required by s. 327.352. Along with the statement, the officer must also submit a sworn statement on a form provided by the department that the person has been advised of both the penalties for failure to submit to the blood, breath, or urine test and the procedure for requesting a hearing.

(3)  A person who has been advised of the penalties pursuant to subsection (2) may, within 30 days afterwards, request a hearing before a county court judge. A request for a hearing tolls the period for payment of the civil penalty, and, if assessment of the civil penalty is sustained by the hearing and any subsequent judicial review, the civil penalty must be paid within 30 days after final disposition. The clerk of the court shall notify the department of the final disposition of all actions filed under this section.

(4)  It is unlawful for any person who has not paid a civil penalty imposed pursuant to this section, or who has not requested a hearing with respect to the civil penalty, within 30 calendar days after receipt of notice of the civil penalty to operate a vessel upon the waters of this state. Violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(5)  Moneys collected by the clerk of the court pursuant to this section shall be disposed of in the following manner:

(a)  If the arresting officer was employed or appointed by a state law enforcement agency except the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, the moneys shall be deposited into the Marine Resources Conservation Trust Fund.

(b)  If the arresting officer was employed or appointed by a county or municipal law enforcement agency, the moneys shall be deposited into the law enforcement trust fund of that agency.

(c)  If the arresting officer was employed or appointed by the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, the money shall be deposited into the State Game Trust Fund.

History.--s. 6, ch. 98-308.