500.451 Horse meat; offenses. - Florida Statutes

500.451 Horse meat; offenses.

   (1) It is unlawful for any person to:

   (a) Sell in the markets of this state horse meat for human consumption unless the horse meat is clearly stamped, marked, and described as horse meat for human consumption.

   (b) Knowingly transport, distribute, sell, purchase, or possess horse meat for human consumption that is not clearly stamped, marked, and described as horse meat for human consumption or horse meat that is not acquired from a licensed slaughterhouse.

   (2) A person that violates this section commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, except that any person who commits a violation of this section shall be sentenced to a minimum mandatory fine of $3,500 and a minimum mandatory period of incarceration of 1 year.

   (3) In addition to any penalties provided in subsection (2), any license of any restaurant, store, or other business may be suspended as provided in the applicable licensing law upon conviction of an owner or employee of that business for a violation of this section in connection with that business.

History. ss. 1, 2, ch. 21986, 1943; s. 11, ch. 25035, 1949; s. 454, ch. 71-136; s. 19, ch. 82-225; s. 27, ch. 94-180; s. 3, ch. 2010-87.

Note. Former s. 500.33.