2025/06/27

Failure to depart is a second-degree misdemeanor


Recent amendments to Florida law (Senate Bill 606) clarify procedures for handling undesirable guests in public lodging establishments.  The legislation distinguishes between "transient" and "nontransient" occupancy based on the nature of the stay rather than subjective intent, streamlining the guest removal process.

Key changes include: written checkout times specified at check-in, treating failure to depart as a misdemeanor subject to law enforcement intervention, and eliminating the requirement for officers to personally witness misconduct before removing guests. Public lodging operators are advised to update their policies and practices to align with these new requirements.

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