Florida has passed a particularly aggressive statute, similar to those in other states, which is designed to protect both the employees and the patrons of late night convenience stores.
This statute, Florida's Convenience Business Security Act, § 812.171, et seq ., Florida Statutes, imposes specific requirements on those convenience store owners who maintain convenience stores that operate between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to have implemented certain adequate security measures in and about the store to prevent foreseeable crimes.
Moreover, if one violent felony has occurred on-site, at a convenience store or gas station, such as a robbery or murder, the Act mandates enhanced security measures, such as security guards, pass through windows, and the like, for operation after 11:00 p.m. Thus, a patron who suffers an injury or death at a convenience business, or gas station with a convenience business that is open during these late night hours may have a claim for violation of the Act, even if the injury or death occurred sometime other than after 11:00 a.m.
If you have a situation concerning convenience store and gas station negligent security cases, please contact the Florida law experts at Corless Barfield Trial Group at 813-498-1623.
