Florida Lawmakers Aim to Make Storming the Field Illegal

Two new bills in the Sunshine State could make the act a first-degree misdemeanor.

Storming a football field or basketball court after a big win could soon be a thing of the past in Florida if two state legislators have their way.

A bill has been introduced in each chamber of the Sunshine State’s legislative body that would criminalize “interference with sporting or entertainment events,” according to a Wednesday report from WCTV-TV in Thomasville, Ga.

Senate Bill 764, introduced Tuesday by Sen. Corey Simon (R-Tallahassee), would criminalize entrance into “any area designated for use by players, coaches, officials, performers, or personnel administering a covered event that is on, or adjacent to, the area of performance or play.” House Bill 319, introduced by Rep. Taylor Yarkosky (R-Montverde), is similar, and either bill would go into effect Oct. 1 if signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Such an intrusion would carry a first-degree misdemeanor charge, punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and as long as a year in jail. Similar penalties could be levied toward those “(throwing) any substance, object, or dangerous instrument” into a field of play, per WCTV’s report.

Field- or court-storming already carries a large fine in the SEC: member schools must pay $50,000 for a first offense, $100,000 for a second, and $250,000 thereafter.