§ 8-12. Purpose and intent; findings; jurisdiction; statutory authority.

The purpose of this article is to regulate, within the City of Cocoa Beach, Florida, those games, machines or devices which are unlawful under Chapter 849, Florida Statutes, because the machines are slot machines or devices as defined herein and in Chapter 849, Florida Statutes. The city commission finds that evidence has been propounded indicating that slot machines or devices can lead to gambling addictions, along with the secondary consequences that such addictions impose upon the community, including increases in crime, debt, suicide and other negative effects on the health, safety, morals and welfare of the residents and visitors to the areas where these devices exist. By law, local governments have all powers of self-government which do not conflict with Florida laws, including those police powers sufficient to eliminate public nuisances and regulate activities which would otherwise cause harm to the public. Pursuant to Section 1.01 of the City Charter, the city commission hereby intends to regulate slot machines or devices to accomplish the purposes set-forth above.

(Ord. No. 1380, § 1, 3-18-2004)