TALLAHASSEE -- A bill designed to make it harder for copper thieves to sell their ill gotten gains became law.

Gov. Charlie Crist signed the measure Wednesday afternoon.

The law makes it harder for copper thieves and people selling other metals to sell it for scrap.

It requires scrap metal dealers who buy the metals to get the names and telephone numbers of the sellers.

The dealers would also be required to check identifications to have a record of who is selling the scrap metal.

Violators could face big trouble.

"Folks who give false information when they're selling to secondary metal recyclers could receive from a third to second-degree felony based on the amount we're talking about at issue," said Rep. Darren Soto.

The new law takes effect October 1.

On Wednesday, Crist also signed a new insurance bill, but not before vetoing part of it.

The new bill fixes the reform package passed in the legislature in 2007 by extending a rate freeze for Citizens Insurance customers.

He did, however, veto one part that would have provided $250 million in incentives for private insurers wanting to get into the homeowner market in Florida.

The law also gives the state more authority over private companies.

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