Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation on Wednesday increasing penalties for individuals who make false emergency calls that result in law enforcement responses, part of a broader effort to crack down on the practice known as swatting.

The measure, HB 279, establishes enhanced criminal penalties for knowingly triggering a public safety response under false pretenses, particularly when the outcome includes serious injury or death. Effective July 1, the law makes it a felony to misuse the 911 system if the ensuing response causes great bodily harm or proves fatal.

If a swatting incident results in serious physical injury, the offense is a third-degree felony. If it leads to a death, it becomes a second-degree felony, carrying up to 15 years in prison.

The bill also lowers the threshold for felony prosecution of habitual offenders. Individuals with two prior convictions for misusing emergency communications services will now face felony charges for a third offense, down from the previous requirement of four prior violations. Courts are directed to impose restitution in such cases, including reimbursement to public safety agencies and compensation to any individuals harmed.

The bill received unanimous support in committee and passed with bipartisan backing.