Trooper Zachary Fink died while chasing a speeding driver on Interstate 95 in St. Lucie County, Florida. The driver, fleeing at 140 miles per hour, made a U-turn into oncoming traffic. Fink’s patrol car collided with a tractor-trailer. The crash killed both Fink and the truck driver. Officers arrested the suspect soon after.
Florida State Rep. Ryan Chamberlin of Ocala sponsored House Bill 113
He pointed to rising numbers of police chases, including over 1,100 in Marion County alone. Chamberlin said Florida needed stronger laws to keep law enforcement officers and the public safer.
The bill keeps the current felony levels for fleeing, but increases how the state calculates prison sentences. Under current law, someone who flees at high speed or drives recklessly faces a second-degree felony, which can lead to up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. However, Florida uses a point-based system to determine actual sentencing. That’s where HB 113 makes its move.
HB 113 raises the offense level for reckless or high-speed fleeing from Level 4 to Level 5
It also moves aggravated fleeing (when someone gets injured or killed during a chase) from Level 5 to Level 6. Judges must use these levels to determine prison time, so higher levels mean longer sentences.
The bill also adds extra weight for repeat offenders, the Tallahassee Democrat shared. If someone has a previous fleeing conviction, the court must multiply the sentence points by 1.5. That can sharply increase the prison time.
The bill comes as other police departments across the country choose not to engage in chase activity
Departments often cite the increased risk of injury or death to the suspects, police officers, and bystanders.
Florida lawmakers also changed the rules around marked police vehicles
Current law says pursuing vehicles must show visible agency markings. HB 113 removes that requirement. Officers still must use lights and sirens during the chase…