Florida has enacted a law intended to clamp down on metal thieves and brokers who do business with them.
House Bill 885, which went into effect July 1, requires companies purchasing secondary metals to collect more detailed information on such transactions, including the name and address of the seller, the time and date of the purchase, as well as the weight and description of the metals being purchased, in addition to other details. Companies purchasing secondary materials must also maintain an electronic database of all transactions that must be regularly shared with law enforcement.
It also creates a new category of restricted metals, including manhole covers, any item marked by a government entity, railroad equipment, burned metallic wire, catalytic converters, beer kegs and other items. The law adds another set of requirements for anyone wanting to buy or sell these items.
Dealers who break the law could face felony charges.
