TAMPA, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis made headlines on Friday as he signed HB 87 into law, granting individuals the legal right to employ lethal force against bears in self-defense under specific circumstances. The bill, known as “the cocaine bear bill” on social media, has sparked both controversy and support across the state.
Under the new legislation, individuals are allowed to use lethal force against bears when they believe themselves, their pets, or their property to be in imminent danger. Notably, the law requires that the bear was not lured with food or other enticements, and that the individual did not recklessly place themselves in the perilous situation. Moreover, if lethal force is utilized, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission must be notified within 24 hours and has the exclusive authority to dispose of the bear. Possessing, selling, or disposing of the bear or any of its parts is deemed unlawful under the new law.
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Dubbed “the cocaine bear bill” following its sponsor’s assertion that Floridians have the right to defend themselves against “the ones that are on crack,” the bill drew attention from Representative Jason Shoaf (R-Port St. Joe). Shoaf, who sponsored the House version of the bill, passionately reinforced the necessity of the legislation during its introduction at a committee meeting, stating, “They break your door down and they’re standing in your living room growling and tearing your house apart. When you run into one of these crack bears, you should be able to shoot it. Period.”
The bill garnered substantial support in the Florida Senate with a vote of 24-12 and in the Florida House with a vote of 83-28. Despite this legislative success, an advocacy group initiated a Change.org petition urging Governor DeSantis to veto the bill. By Friday night, the petition had amassed nearly 40,000 signatures.
Set to take effect on July 1, the bill has ignited heated debates within the state, eliciting strong reactions from both proponents and detractors as they weigh the implications of this bold move to safeguard against bear encounters in Florida.
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Someone should give a bear suit to Mayorkas.
Florida didn’t have a bear problem until the hunting of them stopped. Bears become bullies when not reminded who’s boss.
Why just cocaine bears? Why not the castle law where ANYBODY who breaks into your home and threatens your well being and the well being of family and property is subject to lethal force? That should include FBI bears. In fact, every state should require the FBI to get state approval before they enter ANYBODY’S home without a warrant AND/OR PROVIDE PROOF that there is a person inside who is a suspect with a flight threat or a threat to the safety of others. And with no warrant…homeowners and businesses and even churches can shoot those who break down their doors and threaten people’s safety and trample their rights…especially the feckless FBI. Also, if ANY government entity destroys your property, they should have to pay to repair it!
Not just bears on cocaine, right? I suspect something v was missing in the reporting.