Lilly Glaubach Act and Florida’s Fight Against Hit-and-Run Drivers
At Avera & Smith, we are committed to advocating for safer communities and stronger legal protections for victims of negligence. A new Florida bill, the Lilly Glaubach Act, exemplifies this mission by aiming to close critical gaps in how hit-and-run drivers are identified and held accountable.
In Florida, hit-and-run crashes have reached alarming levels, with thousands of victims left without answers, justice, or closure. One of those tragic cases was 13-year-old Lilly Glaubach, who was struck and killed while riding her bicycle home in Sarasota in 2022. The driver fled the scene, leaving behind a grieving family and a heartbroken community.
Now, in Lilly’s memory, Florida lawmakers are advancing a powerful piece of legislation designed to prevent similar tragedies from going unresolved. The Lilly Glaubach Act, introduced in 2024, is a landmark proposal that aims to close a critical gap in the state’s ability to track and hold accountable those who flee the scene of serious crashes.
From loss to legislation: The purpose behind the Lilly Glaubach Act
The bill recognizes a troubling reality: after committing a hit-and-run, many drivers seek to repair their damaged vehicles without ever reporting the crash. This practice not only hides evidence from law enforcement but also obstructs justice for victims and their families. The Lilly Glaubach Act would change that, proposing a new system requiring auto repair shops to play a proactive role in identifying potential hit-and-run vehicles.
Key elements of the Lilly Glaubach Act:
- Requires auto repair shops to help identify potential hit-and-run vehicles.
- If a repair is estimated at $5,000 or more and no crash report is provided by the vehicle owner, the repair shop must fill out a standardized transaction form.
- This form must document:
- The vehicle owner’s information
- Details of the damage
- A description of the requested repairs
- The form must be submitted to local law enforcement the same day.
The Lilly Glaubach Act will help law enforcement track down drivers involved in serious crashes, ensuring that significant vehicle damage tied to potential crimes doesn’t go unnoticed. This bill will strengthen accountability in the aftermath of hit-and-run accidents.
Creating a greater accountability
Florida’s proposed legislation would place greater responsibility on auto repair businesses while streamlining how information about suspicious vehicle damage is shared with authorities. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services would oversee the design and management of the reporting system to maintain consistency and effectiveness.
In addition, the bill introduces penalties for noncompliance, including potential misdemeanor charges and registration revocation for repair shops that fail to follow the requirements. This ensures that the process is taken seriously by all parties involved.
At Avera & Smith, we believe that laws like this represent real progress — both in honoring victims like Lilly and in preventing future tragedies. We’ll continue to follow the bill’s development and advocate for initiatives that promote safety, accountability, and justice on Florida’s roads.
Injured in a hit-and-run accident?
Call 800-654-4659 for a free case review
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a hit-and-run, auto, pedestrian, or bicycle accident, you deserve experienced legal advocates who will fight for the justice and compensation you need to recover. At Avera & Smith, our attorneys have decades of proven success handling complex injury cases across Florida. We know how to investigate, hold negligent parties accountable, and navigate the legal system on your behalf — so you can focus on healing.
Trusted by clients and respected by peers, our firm combines deep legal knowledge with a relentless commitment to every case we take. You don’t have to face this alone.
Request a free case review through our online form or call 800-654-4659 to speak with one of our attorneys.