Florida Pirates Defiant as New Felony Law Goes Into Effect

Now we know why we need communications lawyers. Getting a radio station license is harder than getting a car license — so says a Miami pirate.
“We know it’s illegal. We’re going to keep doing it anyway,” says such a DJ to the Miami Herald.
But Florida recently passed a law that makes it a felony to broadcast without a license, empowering local law enforcement to arrest pirates and take away their equipment. Fort Lauderdale DJ “Pretty Boy” told the Herald his station operating at 89.1 MHz bought its equipment for between $10,000 to $15,000.
A Jamaican station operating illegally at 101.9 MHz decided to become legitimate. “Vibez” filed an application for an FM license, but is frustrated by the process, according to the account. “We’re trying to do the right thing,” the Herald quotes O’Neil Samuel, a programming executive at the station who doesn’t think new station frequencies should be auctioned to the highest bidder.