[FLham] FLORIDA HAMS AT RISK OF ARREST FOR INTERFERENCE

[Doug Shields]

Hello,
    The problem with the Florida law is that it places enforcement with the
least informed people in the loop.  If your neighbor calls the local police
and says you are causing TVI as they watch their local 6 o'clock news (a
licensed broadcaster), the police can come and ARREST you.  The police do
not have the time or expertise to enter into this kind of enforcement.
    If the neighbor can demonstrate that the TVI happens when you transmit,
the police must act.  You have been shown to be in violation of the law and
guilty of a felony.  You can go to jail.
    I am sure the lawmakers had good intentions of shutting down pirates or
those that maliciously interfere with public safety radio transmissions.
However, there are always things that happen that were not foreseen.  In
this case, I believe that at least a clarification of the law, or repeal, is
required.

Doug  W4DAS