Florida criminal charge
False or fraudulent proof of need for an emotional support animal in Florida
False or fraudulent proof of need for an emotional support animal is a Misdemeanor of the Second Degree under Florida criminal law, defined by Fla. Stat. § 817.265. As a Misdemeanor of the Second Degree, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range Florida sets for that offense class. Florida sorts criminal offenses into felonies, misdemeanors, and petty offenses, each carrying its own penalty range.
Defined by Fla. Stat. § 817.265.
What is the penalty for false or fraudulent proof of need for an emotional support animal in Florida?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 60 days (county jail, not state prison (s. 775.08(2))) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $500 (or up to double the pecuniary gain/loss (s. 775.083(1)(f)); statutes may authorize higher (s. 775.083(1)(g))) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
Applies to current (2025 Florida Statutes).
Common questions about false or fraudulent proof of need for an emotional support animal in Florida
Is false or fraudulent proof of need for an emotional support animal a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
What are the penalties for false or fraudulent proof of need for an emotional support animal in Florida?
As a Misdemeanor of the Second Degree, false or fraudulent proof of need for an emotional support animal carries up to 60 days (statutory maximum; the Criminal Punishment Code scoresheet (s. 921.0024) sets the lowest permissible sentence) of incarceration and a fine of up to $500 (statutory ceiling under s. 775.083; the alternatives in s. 775.083(1)(f)-(g) may exceed it) under Fla. Stat. § 775.082 (current (2025 Florida Statutes)).
Which Florida statute covers false or fraudulent proof of need for an emotional support animal?
False or fraudulent proof of need for an emotional support animal is governed by Fla. Stat. § 817.265 (False or fraudulent proof of need for an emotional support animal).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.