F.S. 548.001 Short title.
Sections 548.001-548.079 shall be known and may be cited as the “Joe Lang Kershaw Act.”
PUGILISTIC EXHIBITIONS
F.S. Ch. 548
in effectF.S. 548.002 Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the term:
(1)
“Amateur” means a person who has never received nor competed for any purse or other article of value, either for the expenses of training or for participating in a match, other than a prize of $50 or less in value.
(2)
“Amateur sanctioning organization” means a business entity organized for sanctioning and supervising matches involving amateurs.
(3)
“Boxing” means the unarmed combat sport of fighting by striking with fists.
(4)
“Commission” means the Florida Athletic Commission.
(5)
“Contest” means a boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts engagement in which persons participating strive to win using strikes and blows to the head or other full-contact maneuvers.
(6)
“Department” means the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
(7)
“Event” means one or more matches comprising a show.
(8)
“Exhibition” means a boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts engagement in which persons participating show or display their skill without necessarily striving to win using strikes and blows to the head or other full-contact maneuvers.
(9)
“Face value” means the dollar value of a ticket equal to the dollar amount that a customer is required to pay or, for complimentary tickets, would have been required to pay to purchase a ticket with equivalent seating priority in order to view the event. If the ticket specifies the amount of admission charges attributable to state or federal taxes, such taxes are not included in the face value.
(10)
“Full contact” means the use of strikes and blows during a match which:
(a)
Are intended to break the plane of the receiving participant’s or amateur’s body;
(b)
Are delivered to the head, face, neck, or body of the receiving participant or amateur; and
(c)
Cause the receiving participant or amateur to move in response to the strike or blow.
(11)
“Judge” means a person licensed by the commission who evaluates and scores a match using a designated scoring system.
(12)
“Kickboxing” means the unarmed combat sport of fighting by striking with the fists, hands, feet, legs, or any combination thereof. The term does not include any form of ground fighting techniques.
(13)
“Manager” means a person who, directly or indirectly, controls or administers the boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts affairs of a participant.
(14)
“Match” means a contest or exhibition.
(15)
“Matchmaker” means a person who brings together professionals or arranges matches for professionals.
(16)
“Mixed martial arts” means the unarmed combat sport involving the use of a combination of techniques, including, but not limited to, grappling, kicking, striking, and using techniques from different disciplines of the martial arts, including, but not limited to, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, jujitsu, and wrestling.
(17)
“Participant” means a professional competing in a boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts match.
(18)
“Physician” means a person who is approved by the commission, who has a license to practice medicine issued pursuant to chapter 458 or chapter 459, and whose license to practice medicine is unencumbered and in good standing.
(19)
“Professional” means a person who has received or competed for a purse or other article of a value greater than $50, either for the expenses of training or for participating in a match.
(20)
“Promoter” means a person or entity, including an officer, director, trustee, partner, or owner of a corporate promoter or promoter partnership, who produces, arranges, or stages a match involving a professional.
(21)
“Purse” means the financial guarantee or other remuneration for which a professional is participating in a match and includes the professional’s share of any payment received for radio broadcasting and television, including pay-per-view or closed-circuit.
(22)
“Second” or “cornerman” means a person who assists a participant in preparing for a match and between rounds, and who maintains the corner of a participant during a match.
(23)
“Secretary” means the Secretary of Business and Professional Regulation.
(24)
“Unarmed combat” means a form of competition in which a strike or blow is struck that may reasonably be expected to inflict injury.
F.S. 548.003 Florida Athletic Commission.
(1)
The Florida Athletic Commission is created and is assigned to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for administrative and fiscal accountability purposes only. The commission shall consist of five members appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate. One member must be a physician licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459, who must maintain an unencumbered license in good standing, and who must, at the time of her or his appointment, have practiced medicine for at least 5 years. Upon the expiration of the term of a commissioner, the Governor shall appoint a successor to serve for a 4-year term. A commissioner whose term has expired shall continue to serve on the commission until such time as a replacement is appointed. If a vacancy on the commission occurs before the expiration of the term, it shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term in the same manner as the original appointment.
(2)
The commission, as created by subsection (1), shall administer the provisions of this chapter. The commission has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this chapter and to implement each of the duties and responsibilities conferred upon the commission, including, but not limited to:
(a)
Development of an ethical code of conduct for commissioners, commission staff, and commission officials.
(b)
Facility and safety requirements relating to the ring, floor plan and apron seating, emergency medical equipment and services, and other equipment and services necessary for the conduct of a program of matches.
(c)
Requirements regarding a participant’s apparel, bandages, handwraps, gloves, mouthpiece, and appearance during a match.
(d)
Requirements relating to a manager’s participation, presence, and conduct during a match.
(e)
Duties and responsibilities of all licensees under this chapter.
(f)
Procedures for hearings and resolution of disputes.
(g)
Qualifications for appointment of referees and judges.
(h)
Qualifications for and appointment of chief inspectors and inspectors and duties and responsibilities of chief inspectors and inspectors with respect to oversight and coordination of activities for each program of matches regulated under this chapter.
(i)
Setting fee and reimbursement schedules for referees and other officials appointed by the commission or the representative of the commission.
(j)
Establishment of criteria for approval, disapproval, suspension of approval, and revocation of approval of amateur sanctioning organizations for amateur boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts held in this state, including, but not limited to, the health and safety standards the organizations use before, during, and after the matches to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the amateurs participating in the matches, including the qualifications and numbers of health care personnel required to be present, the qualifications required for referees, and other requirements relating to the health, safety, and well-being of the amateurs participating in the matches. The commission may adopt by rule, or incorporate by reference into rule, the health and safety standards of USA Boxing as the minimum health and safety standards for an amateur boxing sanctioning organization, the health and safety standards of the International Sport Kickboxing Association as the minimum health and safety standards for an amateur kickboxing sanctioning organization, and the minimum health and safety standards for an amateur mixed martial arts sanctioning organization. The commission shall review its rules for necessary revision at least every 2 years and may adopt by rule, or incorporate by reference into rule, the then-existing current health and safety standards of USA Boxing and the International Sport Kickboxing Association. The commission may adopt emergency rules to administer this paragraph.
(3)
The commission shall maintain an office in Tallahassee. At the first meeting of the commission after June 1 of each year, the commission shall select a chair and a vice chair from among its membership. Three members shall constitute a quorum and the concurrence of at least three members is necessary for official commission action.
(4)
Three consecutive unexcused absences or absences constituting 50 percent or more of the commission’s meetings within any 12-month period shall cause the commission membership of the member in question to become void, and the position shall be considered vacant. The commission shall, by rule, define unexcused absences.
(5)
Each commission member shall be accountable to the Governor for the proper performance of duties as a member of the commission. The Governor shall cause to be investigated any complaint or unfavorable report received by the Governor or the department concerning an action of the commission or any member and shall take appropriate action thereon. The Governor may remove from office any member for malfeasance, unethical conduct, misfeasance, neglect of duty, incompetence, permanent inability to perform official duties, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to or being found guilty of a felony.
(6)
Each member of the commission shall be compensated at the rate of $50 for each day she or he attends a commission meeting and shall be reimbursed for other expenses as provided in s. 112.061.
(7)
The commission shall be authorized to join and participate in the activities of the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC).
(8)
The department shall provide all legal and investigative services necessary to implement this chapter. The department may adopt rules as provided in ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to carry out its duties under this chapter.
F.S. 548.004 Executive director; duties, compensation, administrative support.
(1)
The department shall employ an executive director with the approval of the commission. The executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the secretary. The executive director or the executive director’s designee shall perform the duties specified by the commission, including conducting the functions of the commission office; appointing event and commission officials; approving licenses, permits, and matches; and performing any other duties as the department or commission deems necessary to fulfill the duties of the position. The executive director may issue subpoenas and administer oaths to witnesses, permitholders, record custodians, and licensees.
(2)
The department shall provide assistance in budget development and budget submission for state funding requests. The department shall submit an annual balanced legislative budget for the commission which is based upon anticipated revenue. The department shall provide technical assistance and administrative support, if requested or determined necessary, to the commission and its executive director on issues relating to personnel, contracting, property management, or other issues identified as important to performing the duties of this chapter and to protecting the interests of the state.
F.S. 548.05 Control of contracts.
(1)
The commission shall adopt rules governing the form and content of contracts executed in this state between managers and participants. All such contracts shall be in writing and shall contain all provisions specifically worded as required by rules of the commission. Contracts that do not contain all provisions specifically worded as required by rules of the commission shall be deemed to contain such provisions. A copy of all such contracts must be filed with the commission within 7 days after execution.
(2)
Each contract between a manager and a participant shall contain provisions governing its duration, division of the participant’s purses, and any minimum sum guaranteed annually to the participant by the manager. Each contract shall provide that it is automatically terminated if the license of either party is revoked by the commission or if the manager fails to renew her or his license within 30 days after its expiration date. If the license of either party is suspended, the contract is not binding upon the other party during the period of suspension.
(3)
The commission may require that each contract contain language authorizing the commission to withhold any or all of any manager’s share of a purse in the event of a contractual dispute as to entitlement to any portion of a purse. The commission may establish rules governing the manner of resolution of such dispute. In addition, if the commission deems it appropriate, the commission is hereby authorized to implead interested parties over any disputed funds into the appropriate circuit court for resolution of the dispute before release of all or any part of the funds.
(4)
Each contract subject to this section shall contain the following clause: “This agreement is subject to the provisions of chapter 548, Florida Statutes, and to the rules of the Florida Athletic Commission and to any future amendments of either.”
F.S. 548.005 Oversight of the commission; long-range policy planning; plans, reports, and recommendations.
(1)
The department shall exercise oversight of the activities of the commission to the extent necessary to facilitate the requirements of this section.
(2)
To facilitate efficient and cost-effective regulation, the commission and the department, where appropriate, shall develop and implement a long-range policy planning and monitoring process to include recommendations specific to the commission. Included in the plan shall be specific recommendations regarding performance standards and measurable outcomes for the commission. Such process shall include estimates of revenues, expenditures, cash balances, and performance statistics for the commission. The period covered shall not be less than 5 years. The commission, with assistance from the department, shall develop the long-range plan which must be approved by the Governor. The department shall monitor compliance with the approved long-range plan and shall assist the commission in annually updating the plan for approval by the Governor. The department shall provide concise management reports to the commission and the Governor quarterly. As part of the review process, the department shall evaluate:
(a)
Whether the commission is operating efficiently and effectively and if there is need for assistance to help the commission in ensuring cost-effective regulation.
(b)
How and why pugilistic exhibitions and contests are regulated.
(c)
Whether there is a need to continue regulation, and to what degree.
(d)
Whether or not licensee and consumer protection is adequate, and how it can be improved.
(e)
Whether unlicensed activity is adequately enforced.
Such plans should include conclusions and recommendations on these and other issues as appropriate. Such plans shall be provided to the Governor and the Legislature by November 1 of each year.
F.S. 548.006 Power of commission to control professional and amateur boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts matches; certification of competitiveness of professional mixed martial arts and kickboxing matches.
(1)
The commission has exclusive jurisdiction over every boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts match held within the state which involves a professional.
(2)
As to professional mixed martial arts and kickboxing, until a central repository of match records for each exists and is approved by the commission, the matchmaker shall certify as to the competitiveness of each match.
(3)
The commission has exclusive jurisdiction over approval, disapproval, suspension of approval, and revocation of approval of all amateur sanctioning organizations for amateur boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts matches held in this state.
(4)
Professional and amateur matches shall be held in accordance with this chapter and the rules adopted by the commission.
F.S. 548.06 Payments to state; exemptions; audit of records.
(1)
Except as provided in subsection (5), a promoter holding a match shall, within 72 hours after the match, file with the commission a written report that includes the number of tickets sold, the amount of gross receipts, and any other facts the commission may require. For the purposes of this chapter, gross receipts include each of the following:
(a)
The gross price charged for the sale or lease of broadcasting, television, and pay-per-view rights of any match occurring within the state without any deductions for commissions, brokerage fees, distribution fees, advertising, or other expenses or charges.
(b)
The face value of all tickets sold and complimentary tickets issued, provided, or given, not including complimentary tickets issued, provided, or given in accordance with subsections (2) and (3).
(c)
The face value of any seat or seating issued, provided, or given in exchange for advertising, sponsorships, or anything of value to the promotion of an event.
(2)
A promoter may issue complimentary tickets for up to 5 percent of the seats in the house designated for use in the event, equally distributed among the price categories for which complimentary tickets are issued, without including the face value of such tickets in the calculation of gross receipts.
(3)(a)
A promoter may, with written authorization from the commission, the executive director, or the executive director’s designee, issue, provide, or give additional complimentary tickets in an amount greater than 5 percent of the seats in the house designated for use in the event without including the face value of such tickets in the calculation of gross receipts.
(b)
The commission, the executive director, or the executive director’s designee may provide authorization for additional complimentary tickets that are issued, provided, or given to:
1.
Reserve or active duty members of the United States Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard.
2.
Veterans, as defined in s. 1.01(14), even if the veteran is not eligible to receive benefits as a wartime veteran.
3.
Not-for-profit organizations exempt from federal income tax under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(c)
A promoter seeking authorization to issue, provide, or give additional complimentary tickets in an amount greater than 5 percent of the seats in the house designated for use in the event in accordance with this subsection shall submit an application on a form adopted by the commission. The application must include, at a minimum, the date, time, and location of the event; the number of additional complimentary tickets for which the promoter is seeking authorization from the commission; the percentage of tickets issued for the seats in the house designated for use in the event for which the promoter is seeking authorization from the commission; and the persons or entities that will receive the additional complimentary tickets.
(d)
The commission, the executive director, or the executive director’s designee shall approve or deny the application and shall provide the promoter a written explanation for each approval or denial. The commission, the executive director, or the executive director’s designee may set limitations on an approval and may approve all or a portion of the additional complimentary tickets for which the promoter has sought authorization. The commission, the executive director, or the executive director’s designee shall provide the promoter a written explanation of any limitation placed on an approval. The denial or approval with limitations of an application by the commission, the executive director, or the executive director’s designee is not final agency action and may not be appealed.
(e)
A promoter who receives authorization to issue, provide, or give complimentary tickets in an amount greater than 5 percent of the seats in the house designated for use in the event in accordance with this subsection shall maintain documentation showing that the authorized additional complimentary tickets were issued, provided, or given to individuals or entities eligible for such tickets under paragraph (b). These documents are subject to an audit of the promoter’s books and records pursuant to subsection (8).
(f)
The commission may not include the face value of complimentary tickets authorized under this subsection as part of the total gross receipts from admission fees.
(g)
The promoter may issue, provide, or give complimentary tickets in an amount greater than 5 percent of the seats in the house designated for use in the event without obtaining written authorization in accordance with this subsection if the promoter includes the face value of such tickets in the calculation of gross receipts.
(h)
The promoter remains responsible for complying with reporting and taxation requirements related to gross receipts as provided in this section. However, complimentary tickets issued, given, or provided under subsection (2) or as authorized by the commission are exempt from such reporting and taxation requirements.
(4)
A written report required to be filed with the commission under this section must be postmarked within 72 hours after the conclusion of the match, and an additional 5 days is allowed for mailing.
(5)
Each written report must be accompanied by a tax payment in the amount of 5 percent of the total gross receipts exclusive of any federal taxes, except that the tax payment derived from the gross price charged for the sale or lease of broadcasting, television, and pay-per-view rights of an event occurring within the state may not exceed $40,000 for a single event. A promoter who remits the maximum tax amount of $40,000 for the sale or lease of broadcasting, television, or pay-per-view rights of an event occurring within the state and who submits a form provided by the commission indicating that he or she has paid the maximum tax amount is not required to provide any further information with regard to the sale or lease of broadcasting, television, or pay-per-view rights. However, the promoter remains responsible for complying with reporting and taxation requirements related to other gross receipts as provided in this chapter.
(6)(a)
A promoter who willfully makes a false and fraudulent report under this section commits perjury and, upon conviction, is subject to punishment as provided by law. Such penalty is in addition to any other penalties imposed under this chapter.
(b)
A promoter who willfully fails, neglects, or refuses to make a report or to pay the taxes as prescribed or who refuses to allow the commission to examine the books, papers, and records of a promotion commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(7)
A promoter shall retain a copy of the following records for 1 year and provide a copy of such records to the commission upon request:
(a)
Records necessary to support each report submitted to the commission, including a copy of each report filed with the commission.
(b)
A copy of each independently prepared ticket manifest.
(c)
Documentation required to be maintained under paragraph (3)(e) verifying that additional complimentary tickets authorized by the commission, the executive director, or the executive director’s designee were issued, provided, or given to eligible individuals or entities.
(8)
Compliance with this section is subject to verification by department or commission audit. The commission may, upon reasonable notice to the promoter, audit a promoter’s books and records relating to the promoter’s operations under this chapter.
(9)
The commission shall adopt rules establishing a procedure for auditing a promoter’s records and resolving any inconsistencies revealed by an audit and shall adopt a rule imposing a late fee in the event of taxes owed.
F.S. 548.07 Suspension of license or permit by commissioner; hearing.
(1)
The commission, the executive director, or the executive director’s designee may issue an emergency suspension order pursuant to s. 120.60(6) suspending the license of a person or entity licensed under this chapter who poses an immediate, serious danger to the health, safety, and welfare of the public or the participants in a match.
(2)
The department’s Office of General Counsel shall review the grounds for each emergency suspension order issued and, if sufficient, shall file an administrative complaint against the licensee within 21 days after the issuance of the emergency suspension order.
(3)
After service of the administrative complaint pursuant to the procedure provided in s. 455.275, the disciplinary process shall proceed pursuant to chapter 120.
F.S. 548.007 Exemptions.
This chapter does not apply to any of the following:
(1)
A match that does not allow full contact if the match is limited to amateur participants.
(2)
A match conducted or sponsored by a company or detachment of the Florida National Guard or the United States Armed Forces, if the match is limited to amateurs who are members of a company or detachment of the Florida National Guard or the United States Armed Forces.
(3)
A match conducted or sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police, if the match is limited to amateurs and is held in conjunction with a charitable event.
(4)
A match conducted by or between public postsecondary educational institutions or public K-12 schools, as described in s. 1000.04, if the match is limited to amateurs who are members of a school-sponsored club or team.
(5)
A match conducted by the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, the Special Olympics, or the Junior Olympics, if the match is limited to amateurs who are competing in or attempting to qualify for the Olympics, Paralympics, Special Olympics, or Junior Olympics.
(6)
A professional or amateur martial arts activity. As used in this subsection, the term “martial arts” means one of the traditional forms of self-defense or unarmed combat involving the use of physical skill and coordination, including, but not limited to, karate, aikido, judo, and kung fu. The term does not include mixed martial arts.
F.S. 548.008 Prohibited competitions.
(1)
No match involving amateurs which utilizes, but is not necessarily limited to, strikes or blows to the head may be held in this state unless it is sanctioned and supervised by an amateur sanctioning organization approved by the commission as required by this chapter.
(2)
No professional match may be held in this state unless it meets the requirements for holding the match as provided in this chapter and the rules adopted by the commission.
(3)(a)
Any person participating in a match prohibited under this section, knowing the match to be prohibited, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(b)
Any person holding, promoting, or sponsoring a match prohibited under this section commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
F.S. 548.011 Power of commission to issue, withhold, suspend, or revoke licenses and permits.
The commission has exclusive jurisdiction to issue, withhold, suspend, or revoke any license or permit provided for in this chapter.
F.S. 548.012 Promoter’s license.
(1)
A promoter may not, directly or indirectly, promote any match involving a professional, unless the promoter has been issued a license therefor by the commission.
(2)
A violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
F.S. 548.014 Promoters; bonds or other security.
(1)(a)
Before a license is issued or renewed to a promoter and before a permit is issued to a promoter, she or he must file a surety bond with the commission in a reasonable amount determined by the commission of at least $15,000.
(b)
All bonds must be upon forms approved and supplied by the commission.
(c)
The sufficiency of any surety is subject to approval of the commission.
(d)
The surety bond must be conditioned upon the faithful performance by the promoter of her or his obligations under this chapter and upon the fulfillment of her or his contracts with any other licensees under this chapter. However, the aggregate annual liability of the surety for all obligations and fees may not exceed the amount of the bond.
(2)
In lieu of a surety bond, the promoter may deposit with the commission cash or a certified check, in an equivalent amount and subject to the same conditions as the bond. Such security may not be returned to the promoter until 1 year after the date it was deposited with the commission unless a surety bond is substituted for it. If no claim against the deposit is outstanding, it shall be returned to the depositor 1 year after the date it was deposited.
(3)
Recovery may be made against any bond, cash, or other security in the same manner as penalties are recoverable at law.
F.S. 548.017 Participants, managers, and other persons required to have licenses.
(1)
A participant, manager, trainer, second, referee, judge, physician, matchmaker, or promoter must be licensed before directly or indirectly acting in such capacity in connection with any match involving a participant. A physician approved by the commission must be licensed pursuant to chapter 458 or chapter 459, must maintain an unencumbered license in good standing, and must demonstrate satisfactory medical training or experience in boxing, or a combination of both, to the executive director before working as the ringside physician.
(2)
A violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
F.S. 548.021 Applications for licenses and permits.
(1)
An application for a license or a permit must:
(a)
Be in writing on a form supplied by the commission which shall contain the applicant’s social security number.
(b)
Be verified by the applicant.
(c)
Be complete and have attached to the application any photographs and other exhibits required.
(2)
Pursuant to the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, each party is required to provide his or her social security number in accordance with this section. Disclosure of social security numbers obtained through this requirement shall be limited to the purpose of administration of the Title IV-D program for child support enforcement.
(3)
Any person who seeks to obtain a license by knowingly making false or fraudulent representations in any application or who otherwise knowingly makes false statements concerning her or his medical history, boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts records, or other personal information commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
F.S. 548.022 Oral examinations.
The commission may require any applicant or any officer, director, employee, or stockholder of a corporate applicant, before taking action on her or his application, to appear before the commission for an oral examination, under oath, as to her or his qualifications.
F.S. 548.024 Background investigation of applicants for licensure.
If the commission requires a background criminal history investigation of any applicant, it shall require the applicant to submit to the department fingerprints for this purpose. The fingerprints shall be forwarded to the Division of Criminal Justice Information Systems within the Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for processing to determine whether the applicant has a criminal history record. The information obtained by the processing of the fingerprints by the Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall be sent to the department to determine whether the applicant is statutorily qualified for licensure.
F.S. 548.025 License fees.
The commission shall set license fees as follows:
(1)
Promoter, matchmaker
—
not to exceed $500.
(2)
Any other license
—
not to exceed $100.
F.S. 548.026 Duration of license.
Each license shall expire on December 31 next following the date on which it was issued.
F.S. 548.028 Refusal to issue license.
The commission shall not issue a license to:
(1)
Any person or business entity that has been convicted of any act, or that has a trustee, partner, officer, director, or owner that has been convicted of any act, that would constitute a violation of this chapter or would constitute any of the grounds set forth in this chapter for suspension or revocation of a license or against whom such charges are pending before any regulatory body; or
(2)
Any person or business entity that has been named in any information or indictment, or that has a trustee, partner, officer, director, or owner that has been named in an information or indictment, for any act that would constitute a violation of this chapter or a ground for suspension or revocation of a license.
F.S. 548.032 Permit for program of matches.
In addition to a promoter’s license, a promoter must procure a permit for each program of matches before presenting that program. Each application for a permit shall specify the location and time of the program.
F.S. 548.033 Local prohibiting ordinance.
A permit may not be issued for a match to be held within any political subdivision of this state that has adopted a local ordinance or resolution prohibiting such matches.
F.S. 548.035 Permit fees.
The commission shall set permit fees for professional matches at $1,800 per event. For purposes of this section, an “event” is one or more matches comprising a show.
F.S. 548.037 Admissions not to exceed seating capacity.
It is a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, for any promoter to sell or cause to be sold more tickets of admission for any match than can be accommodated by the seating capacity of the premises where the match is to be held.
F.S. 548.041 Age, condition, and suspension of participants.
(1)
A person may not be licensed as a participant, and the license of a participant shall be suspended or revoked, if such person:
(a)
Is under the age of 18;
(b)
Has participated in a match in this state which was not sanctioned by the commission or by a Native American commission properly constituted under federal law;
(c)
Does not meet certain health and medical examination conditions as required by rule of the commission;
(d)
Has not competed in a minimum number of amateur boxing events as determined by commission rule prior to licensure; or
(e)
Has not participated in a minimum number of amateur mixed martial arts events as determined by commission rule prior to licensure.
(2)(a)
A participant losing by knockout as a result of being counted out in any jurisdiction shall be automatically suspended for a period of time as determined by the attending physician or commission representative, or 60 calendar days after the date of the knockout, whichever is longer. A participant shall not engage in any match, contact exhibition, or contact sparring for training purposes during the suspension period. After the suspension period and before engaging in any match, contact exhibition, or contact sparring for training purposes, the participant shall be examined by a physician. The participant shall advise the physician of the previous knockout or technical draw and shall provide medical records or his or her permission for the physician to consult with the physician who was the treating physician at the time of the previous knockout or technical draw. The results of this examination shall be filed with the commission before any further matches are approved for the participant.
(b)
A participant losing by technical knockout, technical draw, or disqualification shall be automatically suspended for a period of time to be determined by the physician or commission representative, or 30 calendar days after the date of the technical knockout, technical draw, or disqualification, whichever is longer. A participant shall not engage in any match, contact exhibition, or contact sparring for training purposes during the suspension period without the approval of the physician. After the suspension period and before engaging in any match, contact exhibition, or contact sparring for training purposes, the participant shall be examined by a physician. The participant shall advise the physician of the previous knockout or technical draw and shall provide medical records or his or her permission for the physician to consult with the physician who was the treating physician at the time of the previous knockout or technical draw. The results of this examination shall be filed with the commission before any further matches are approved for the participant. In the case of a disqualification, the commission representative shall determine whether a medical clearance shall be required following suspension.
(c)
Any participant who has been suspended by any state as a result of a recent knockout or series of consecutive losses, an injury, requirement for a medical procedure, physician denial of certification, failure of a drug test, the use of aliases, or the falsifying or attempting to falsify official identification cards or documents shall not be permitted to participate in this state until such time as the state in which the participant is suspended removes his or her name from the suspension list or until the requirements of such suspension have been fulfilled and proof of such has been provided to this state. If a participant has been suspended in another state for any reason other than those stated in this paragraph, the participant may be permitted to participate if the state in which the participant is suspended is notified and consulted with by this state before the granting of approval to participate or the participant appeals to the Association of Boxing Commissions and the association determines that the suspension of such participant was without sufficient grounds, for an improper purpose, or not related to the health and safety of the participant.
(d)
Any participant who fails to appear at a match or fails to appear at a match at the designated time for which the participant or the participant’s manager has contracted and does not provide a valid reason or, in the case of physical disability, furnish a physician’s certificate shall be suspended for a period to be determined by the commission or shall be fined, or both, as determined by the commission.
(e)
The license of any participant shall be revoked and shall not be reinstated if such participant intentionally strikes, strikes at, touches in any way, or threatens to touch in any way any official.
F.S. 548.042 Participation under fictitious name.
A person may not participate under a fictitious or assumed name in any match unless she or he has registered the name with the commission.
F.S. 548.043 Weights and classes, limitations; gloves.
(1)
The commission shall establish classes of participants based upon weights.
(2)
The commission shall establish by rule the acceptable difference in weight between participants; however, the maximum difference in weight in boxing matches shall not exceed 12 pounds, except matches in the cruiserweight and heavyweight classes and exhibitions.
(3)
The commission shall establish by rule the need for gloves, if any, and the weight of any such gloves to be used in each pugilistic match. Participants shall wear such protective devices as the commission deems necessary.
(4)
Participants in a match shall be weighed on the same scale at a time and place to be determined by the commission or a commission representative. The weigh-in shall be conducted in the presence of the opponent of the participant and a commission representative. If a participant fails to arrive at the weigh-in at the scheduled time and place, the opponent of the late-arriving participant will be permitted to be weighed without the late-arriving participant present. The participant who arrived at the weigh-in on time shall not lose his or her right of observing the weighing in of his or her opponent. The weigh-in shall occur no sooner than 4 p.m. on the day preceding the date of the program of matches or at such other time as designated by the commission or commission representative.
F.S. 548.046 Physician’s attendance at match; examinations; cancellation of match.
(1)
The commission, or the commission representative, shall assign to each match at least one physician who shall observe the physical condition of the participants and advise the commissioner or commission representative in charge and the referee of the participants’ conditions before, during, and after the match. The commission shall establish a schedule of fees for the physician’s services. The physician’s fee shall be paid by the promoter of the match attended by the physician. The physician shall be considered an agent of the commission in determining the state insurance coverage and sovereign immunity protection applicability of ss. 284.31 and 768.28.
(2)(a)
In addition to any other required examination, each participant shall be examined by the attending physician at the time of weigh-in. If the physician determines that a participant is physically or mentally unfit to proceed, the physician shall notify any commissioner or the commission representative who shall immediately cancel the match. The examination shall conform to rules adopted by the commission. The result of the examination shall be reported in writing signed by the physician and filed with the commission prior to completion of the weigh-in.
(b)
The commission may require, by rule, each participant to present to the commission representative at the time of the weigh-in an original copy of blood test results which demonstrate whether the participant is free from any communicable disease. If required by the commission and the blood test results are not presented as required by commission rule or reveal the participant has a communicable disease, the commission representative shall immediately cancel the match. The commission may adopt, by rule, protocols and procedures for the blood tests and the cancellation of a match, a list of communicable diseases covered by this paragraph, and a time period within which the blood test must be taken prior to the match.
(3)(a)
In a match that is a sanctioned championship title fight, or whenever the commission representative has reason to believe that a participant has ingested or used a prohibited drug or foreign substance, the commission representative shall request and the participant shall provide, under the supervision of the attending physician, commission representative, or inspector, a sample or samples of his or her urine taken not less than 1 hour before the commencement of the match or more than 1 hour after the conclusion of the match. No participant shall use substances or methods which could alter the integrity of the urine sample. Urine samples shall be taken in accordance with the protocol as agreed upon in writing between the commission and the laboratory used for processing the urine samples.
(b)
The commission may require urine samples, as provided in paragraph (a), to be done randomly. If one participant in a match is tested randomly, the other participant in the match shall be tested also.
(c)
A participant who fails or refuses to provide a urine sample immediately upon request shall be considered an immediate serious danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the public and his or her opponent. The license of a participant who fails or refuses to provide a urine sample shall immediately be suspended pursuant to s. 120.60(6), and such failure or refusal is grounds for additional disciplinary action. A participant who is adjudged the winner of a match and who subsequently refuses to or is unable to provide a urine sample forfeits the win. The decision shall be changed to a no-decision result and entered into the official record. The purse shall be redistributed as though the participant found to be in violation of this subsection had lost the match.
(d)
A participant who tests positive for a prohibited substance as specified by commission rule shall be considered an immediate serious danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the public and his or her opponent. The license of a participant who tests positive for a prohibited substance shall immediately be suspended pursuant to s. 120.60(6), and the positive test result is grounds for additional disciplinary action.
(4)
The attending physician or physicians shall provide medical assistance at the facility to the commission representative and medical advice to the referee during the match and shall be accorded the cooperation of all commission representatives and licensees present for the purpose of performing his or her medical duties. If, in the opinion of the attending physician, the referee has received an injury that prohibits the referee from continuing to officiate, the physician shall notify the commission representative, who shall temporarily halt the match. The injured referee shall be attended to by the physician until the referee is no longer in danger or has been transferred to the care of another qualified person. The commission representative shall then direct that the match continue under the supervision of the referee or under the supervision of another referee if the referee is unable to continue.
F.S. 548.047 Duty of licensee to disclose condition of participant.
A licensee shall disclose all information in her or his possession concerning any mental or physical disability, injury, illness, or incapacity of a participant in a match, immediately after learning thereof, to the commission, the deputy in charge, the attending physician, or the referee.
F.S. 548.049 Medical, surgical, and hospital insurance; life insurance.
(1)
The commission shall, by rule, require participants to be covered by not less than $20,000 of insurance for medical, surgical, and hospital care required as a result of injuries sustained while engaged in matches. The insured shall be the beneficiary of such policies. Any deductible associated with the insurance policy shall be paid by the promoter and shall not be paid by or charged to the participant.
(2)
The commission may also require participants to be covered by not less than $20,000 of life insurance covering deaths caused by injuries received while engaged in matches.
F.S. 548.052 Payment of advances by promoter regulated.
A promoter may not pay, lend, or give a participant an advance against her or his purse before a contest, except with the prior written permission of the commission, the executive director, or the executive director’s designee; and, if permitted, such advance may be made only for expenses for transportation and maintenance in preparation for a contest.
F.S. 548.053 Distribution of purses to participants; statements.
(1)
Unless otherwise directed by a representative of the commission, all purses shall be distributed by the promoter no later than 24 hours after the match. A written statement showing the distribution of the purse, including each item of receipt and each expenditure or deduction, shall be furnished to the participant and her or his manager, together with the participant’s share of the purse. The promoter shall retain a copy of the statement, certified by her or him to be correct, with receipted vouchers for all expenditures and deductions, for a period to be designated by the commission, which copy shall be provided to the commission upon demand.
(2)
Unless otherwise directed by a representative of the commission, a manager shall furnish to the participant she or he manages a statement of distribution, together with the participant’s share of the purse, no later than 24 hours after the manager receives the purse and statement from the promoter. The manager shall retain a copy of the statement, certified by her or him to be correct, with receipted vouchers for all expenditures and deductions, for a period to be designated by the commission, which copy shall be provided to the commission upon demand.
F.S. 548.054 Withholding of purses; hearing; disposition of withheld purse forfeiture.
(1)
A member of the commission, the commission representative, or the referee may order a promoter to surrender to the commission any purse or other funds payable to a participant, or to withhold the share of any manager, if it appears that:
(a)
The participant is not competing honestly, or is intentionally not competing to the best of her or his ability and skill, in a match represented to be a contest; or
(b)
The participant, her or his manager, or any of the participant’s seconds has violated this chapter.
(2)
Any purse so withheld shall be delivered by the promoter to the commission upon demand. Within 10 days after the match, the person from whom the sum was withheld may submit a petition for a hearing to the commission pursuant to s. 120.569. Upon receipt of the petition, the commission shall hold a hearing pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57. If no petition for a hearing is filed, the commission shall meet and determine the disposition of the withheld purse. If the commission finds the charges sufficient, it may declare all or part of the funds forfeited. If the commission finds the charges insufficient, it shall immediately distribute the withheld funds to the appropriate persons.
(3)
If a contestant’s purse is forfeited, the commission may include any payments or advances as part of the forfeiture, and if the contestant does not forward such amount to the commission, such payments and advances may be recovered in the same manner as a debt due the state.
F.S. 548.056 Prohibited financial interests in participant; penalties.
(1)
A member of the commission; an employee of the commission; a referee or judge licensed by the commission; or an attending physician may not have any direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in any participant.
(2)(a)
A manager, trainer, or second of any participant shall not have any direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in the opponent in any contest in which her or his own participant participates.
(b)
A participant shall not have any direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in her or his opponent in any contest.
(3)
A violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
F.S. 548.057 Attendance of referee and judges at match; scoring; seconds.
(1)
At each boxing match involving a participant, except at an exhibition held solely for training purposes, at the expense of the promoter, a referee designated by the commission shall direct and control the match.
(2)
At each contest, at the expense of the promoters, three judges appointed by the executive director as delegated by the commission shall attend and shall render their individual decisions in writing on scorecards supplied by the commission. Each judge shall have one vote, and a majority of the votes cast shall determine the winner.
(3)
The commission shall ensure that all referees, judges, and other officials are Florida-licensed officials qualified pursuant to rules of the commission and that no sanctioning organization or promoter has been permitted to influence the appointment of any officials, and shall prescribe the methods of scoring.
(4)
Before the start of any match, the referee shall obtain the name of each participant’s chief second. The chief second shall be responsible for the conduct of her or his assistants during the match.
(5)
For matches other than boxing, the commission shall establish such standards and requirements for referees as are deemed necessary.
(6)
No judge licensed in this state shall act as a judge at any match in a state, territory, commonwealth, or Native American Reservation that is not regulated by a state boxing commission unless the match is supervised by a state boxing commission or a Native American commission properly constituted under federal law.
(7)
No judge shall also serve as a supervisor or on the ratings committee or recommend boxers to the ratings committee for a sanctioning body.
(8)
Any person whose application for a judge’s license has been denied shall not be permitted to reapply for a judge’s license for a period of 6 months. Any person whose application for a judge’s license has been denied on three occasions shall not be permitted to reapply.
(9)
The number of judges shall be assigned in accordance with rules of the commission. The number of unofficial judges at each event shall be limited to three by the commission.
(10)
The judges shall be located in seats designated for them by the commission representative.
(11)
If sufficient judges are not available, a referee shall be selected to act as a judge for that specific program of matches.
F.S. 548.058 Sham or collusive contest prohibited.
(1)
No person shall knowingly conduct, participate in, or be connected with a match which is represented to be a contest if one or both of the participants does not use her or his best efforts and skill or does not strive earnestly to win; if the result thereof has been prearranged; or if either participant does not use, or is prevented from using, her or his best efforts and skill as a result of coercion, bribery, duress, threats, reward or promise thereof, physical incapacity or disability, suggestion or agreement, or any other improper or unlawful means.
(2)
If a licensee has knowledge of an act prohibited by subsection (1), the licensee shall immediately report such knowledge to the commission. The report shall be in writing or, if oral, shall be immediately reduced to writing and shall contain all of licensee’s reasons for the conclusions set forth in her or his report.
(3)
A violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
F.S. 548.062 Public records exemption.
(1)
As used in this section, the term “proprietary confidential business information” means information that:
(a)
Is owned or controlled by the promoter;
(b)
The promoter intends to be and treats as private;
(c)
If disclosed, would cause harm to the promoter or its business operations;
(d)
Has not been disclosed, except for any disclosure pursuant to a statutory provision, an order of a court or administrative body, or a private agreement that provides that the information not be released to the public; and
(e)
Concerns any of the following:
1.
The number of ticket sales for a match;
2.
The amount of gross receipts after a match;
3.
A trade secret, as defined in s. 688.002;
4.
Business plans;
5.
Internal auditing controls and reports of internal auditors; or
6.
Reports of external auditors.
(2)
Proprietary confidential business information provided by a promoter to the commission or obtained by the commission through an audit of the promoter’s books and records pursuant to s. 548.06 is confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. Information made confidential and exempt by this subsection may be disclosed to another governmental entity in the performance of its duties and responsibilities.
F.S. 548.064 Destruction of ticket or ticket stub.
It is a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, for any promoter or person associated with or employed by any promoter to destroy any ticket to a match or any ticket stub, whether sold or unsold, within 6 months after the date of the match, except upon prior written authorization of the commission.
F.S. 548.0065 Amateur matches; sanctioning and supervision; health and safety standards; compliance checks; continuation, suspension, and revocation of sanctioning approval.
(1)
No match involving amateurs which utilizes, but is not necessarily limited to, strikes or blows to the head may be held in this state unless it is sanctioned and supervised by an amateur sanctioning organization approved by the commission. An approved amateur sanctioning organization may only sanction and supervise the contests or exhibitions in the particular sport or sports for which it has expertise and for which it is approved by the commission.
(2)
The commission may not approve any amateur sanctioning organization unless it has adopted and agreed to enforce a defined set of standards that applies to all matches which will adequately protect the health and safety of the amateurs participating in the matches and the public and can adequately demonstrate to the satisfaction of the commission that the principals of the organization have sufficient background, training, and experience in sanctioning and supervising matches for which the organization is approved.
(3)
Periodic compliance checks may be performed by a representative of the commission designated by the executive director in order to ensure enforcement of approved health and safety standards and supervision of matches by the approved amateur sanctioning organization.
(4)
Any member of the commission or the executive director of the commission may suspend the approval of an amateur sanctioning organization for failure to supervise amateur matches or to enforce the approved health and safety standards required under this chapter, provided that the suspension complies with the procedures for summary suspensions in s. 120.60(6). At any amateur boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts contest, any member of the commission or a representative of the commission may immediately suspend one or more matches in an event whenever it appears that the match or matches violate the health and safety standards established by rule as required by this chapter. A law enforcement officer may assist any member of the commission or a representative of the commission to enforce an order to stop a contest if called upon to do so by a member of the commission or a representative of the commission.
(5)
The commission shall review its approval of the amateur sanctioning organization at least biennially, or sooner if determined necessary based upon the periodic compliance checks or complaints to the commission, to determine continuation of approval. The commission may continue approval or may suspend or revoke approval based upon compliance of the organization with the approved sanctioning standards and its ability to supervise matches in the state.
F.S. 548.066 Ticket refunds.
(1)
Upon the postponement, substitution of either participant, or cancellation of the main event or the entire program of matches, the promoter shall refund the full purchase price of a ticket to each person presenting a ticket for a refund within 30 days after the scheduled date of the event. Within 10 days after the expiration of the 30-day period, the promoter shall pay all unclaimed ticket receipts to the commission. The commission shall hold the funds for 1 year and make refunds during such time to any person presenting a ticket for a refund. Thereafter, the commission shall pay all remaining moneys from the ticket sale to the Chief Financial Officer for deposit into the General Revenue Fund.
(2)
For failure to comply with this section, the commission may declare a promoter’s bond or other security forfeited, suspend or revoke the license of a promoter, and impose any other penalty provided.
F.S. 548.069 Age of spectators.
A person under 16 years of age may not attend a match unless such person is accompanied by an adult or unless the exhibition is of amateur status.
F.S. 548.071 Suspension or revocation of license or permit by commission.
The commission may suspend or revoke a license or permit if the commission finds that the licensee or permittee:
(1)
Is guilty of violating this chapter or the rules of the commission.
(2)
Has committed fraud or deceit in securing any license or permit.
(3)
Has been convicted of, has pleaded guilty to, has entered a plea of nolo contendere to, or has been found guilty of a crime involving moral turpitude in any jurisdiction within 10 years preceding the suspension or revocation.
(4)
Is guilty of unprofessional or unethical conduct.
(5)
Has made a misstatement of a material fact, fraudulently concealed a material fact, or induced or aided another person in misstating or concealing any material fact in any application or other proceeding under this chapter.
(6)
Has failed to account for or pay over moneys belonging to others which have come into her or his possession in connection with a match.
(7)
Has failed to furnish to the proper party a copy of any contract or statement required by this chapter or has breached such a contract.
(8)
Has paid or agreed to pay any money or article of value to any licensee or permittee for soliciting or for business secured or for rendering any service or the doing of any of the acts forbidden by this chapter and the rules adopted hereunder.
(9)
Has loaned her or his license or permit to another person or has borrowed or used the license or permit of another.
(10)
Has employed a person who does not hold a license or permit as required by law.
(11)
Has failed to maintain in force the bond required by this chapter or has failed to deposit with the commission the required cash, check, or securities.
(12)
Has been disciplined by the commission or similar agency or body of any jurisdiction.
(13)
Has failed to pay a fine imposed under this chapter.
F.S. 548.073 Commission hearings.
All hearings held under this chapter shall be held in accordance with chapter 120.
F.S. 548.074 Power to administer oaths, take depositions, and issue subpoenas.
For the purpose of any investigation or proceeding conducted pursuant to this chapter, the department shall have the power to administer oaths, take depositions, make inspections when authorized by statute, issue subpoenas which shall be supported by affidavit, serve subpoenas and other process, and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, documents, and other evidence. The department shall exercise this power on its own initiative or whenever requested by the commission. Challenges to, and enforcement of, subpoenas and orders shall be handled as provided in s. 120.569.
F.S. 548.075 Administrative fines; citations.
(1)
The commission may impose a fine of not more than $5,000 for any violation of this chapter in lieu of or in addition to any other punishment provided for such violation.
(2)
The commission may adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to permit the issuance of citations for any violation of this chapter in lieu of or in addition to any other punishment provided for such violation.
F.S. 548.076 Cease and desist notices.
When the department has probable cause to believe that any person not licensed by the commission has violated any provision of this chapter, or any rule adopted pursuant thereto, the department may issue and deliver to such person a notice to cease and desist from such violation. The department shall issue and enforce such cease and desist notices in accordance with s. 455.228.
F.S. 548.077 Florida Athletic Commission; collection and disposition of moneys.
All fees, fines, forfeitures, and other moneys collected under the provisions of this chapter shall be paid by the commission to the Chief Financial Officer who, after the expenses of the commission are paid, shall deposit them in the Professional Regulation Trust Fund to be used for the administration and operation of the commission and to enforce the laws and rules under its jurisdiction. In the event the unexpended balance of such moneys collected under the provisions of this chapter exceeds $250,000, any excess of that amount shall be deposited in the General Revenue Fund.
F.S. 548.079 Misdemeanors.
Unless otherwise specified, any person convicted of any offense set forth in this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
Source: FL Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/Chapter548/AllFetched: 7/8/2026