(1) For the purposes of this section, the term “school safety zone” means in, on, or within 500 feet of any real property owned by or leased to any public or private elementary, middle, or high school or school board and used for elementary, middle, or high school education.

(2)(a) Each principal or designee of each public or private school in this state shall notify the appropriate law enforcement agency to prohibit any person from loitering in the school safety zone who does not have legitimate business in the school safety zone or any other authorization, or license to enter or remain in the school safety zone or does not otherwise have invitee status in the designated safety zone.

(b)1. During the period from 1 hour prior to the start of a school session until 1 hour after the conclusion of a school session, it is unlawful for any person to enter the premises or trespass within a school safety zone or to remain on such premises or within such school safety zone when that person does not have legitimate business in the school safety zone or any other authorization, license, or invitation to enter or remain in the school safety zone.

2.a. Except as provided in sub-subparagraph b., a person who violates this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

b. A person who violates this subsection and who has been previously convicted of any offense contained in chapter 874 commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(c)1. Except as provided in subparagraph 2., a person who does not have legitimate business in the school safety zone or any other authorization, license, or invitation to enter or remain in the school safety zone who shall willfully fail to remove himself or herself from the school safety zone after the principal or designee, having a reasonable belief that he or she will commit a crime or is engaged in harassment or intimidation of students entering or leaving school property, requests him or her to leave the school safety zone commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

2. A person who violates subparagraph 1. and who has been previously convicted of any offense contained in chapter 874 commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(3) This section does not abridge or infringe upon the right of any person to peaceably assemble and protest.

(4) This section does not apply to residents or persons engaged in the operation of a licensed commercial business within the school safety zone.

History.—s. 1, ch. 2002-192; s. 1, ch. 2013-80.