Interference with a sporting or entertainment event.

(1) As used in this section, the term:

(a) “Covered event” means an athletic competition or practice, including one conducted in a public venue, or a live artistic, theatrical, or other entertainment performance event. The duration of such event includes the period from the time when a venue is held open to the public for such an event until the end of the athletic competition or performance event.

(b) “Covered participant” means an umpire, officiating crew member, player, coach, manager, groundskeeper, or any artistic, theatrical, or other performer or sanctioned participant in a covered event. The term includes event operations and security employees working at a covered event.

(c) “Restricted area” means any area designated for use by players, coaches, officials, performers, or other personnel administering a covered event that is on, or adjacent to, the area of play or performance.

(2) A person may not:

(a) Intentionally touch or strike a covered participant during a covered event against the will of the covered participant, or intentionally cause bodily harm to a covered participant during a covered event;

(b) Willfully enter or remain in a restricted area during a covered event without being authorized, licensed, or invited to enter or remain in such a restricted area; or

(c) Willfully enter or remain in a venue during a ticketed covered event wherein attendance exceeds 5,000 persons, without being authorized, licensed, or invited to enter or remain in such venue.

(3) A person who:

(a) Violates paragraph (2)(a) or paragraph (2)(b) commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more than $2,500.

(b) Violates paragraph (2)(c) commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(c) Solicits another person to violate subsection (2) by offering money or any other thing of value to another to engage in specific conduct that constitutes such a violation commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(4) A person convicted of a violation of this section may not realize any profit or benefit, directly or indirectly, from committing such a violation. Any profit or benefit payable to or accruing to a person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to seizure and forfeiture as provided in the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act.