TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — A Florida lawmaker filed a bill Thursday that aims to safeguard Florida consumers who are targeted by COVID-19 vaccine scams.
HB 9, filed by Florida Representative Ardian Zika of Pasco County, establishes criminal penalties and authorizes civil remedies for those intending to defraud regarding the availability of or access to a COVID vaccine.
“Floridians need to be on the lookout for vaccine scams but these criminals are using very slick, official-looking websites to run their operations,” said Zika. “This legislation puts them on notice and helps protect Floridians from getting scammed.”
The Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls pledged strong support for and fast-tracked legislation filed Thursday.
“It is a priority of the Florida House to protect Floridians who just want to get a COVID vaccine without being fleeced,” said Sprowls.
On the second day of the House’s first interim committee meeting week, the Pandemics and Public Emergencies Committee will take up HB 9 for a vote during its 9 a.m. meeting on Jan. 14.
