Florida criminal charge
Misuse of laser lighting devices in Florida
Misuse of laser lighting devices is a criminal offense under Florida law, defined by Fla. Stat. § 784.062. Its classification is not fixed: Florida assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Fla. Stat. § 784.062.
What is the penalty for misuse of laser lighting devices in Florida?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | up to $500 (Laser pointer simulating firearm at law enforcement officer — A person knowingly and willfully shines, points, or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device at a law enforcement officer performing official duties in a manner that would cause a reasonable person to believe a firearm is pointed at them.; not a crime (s. 775.08(3)); no imprisonment or other penalty more severe than a fine, forfeiture, or other civil penalty (s. 775.082(5))) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.083 |
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Laser device on operator of motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft — A person knowingly and willfully shines, points, or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device on an individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft.) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $5,000 (Laser device on operator of motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft — A person knowingly and willfully shines, points, or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device on an individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft.; 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 |
| Jail / prison | up to 15 years (Laser device on operator resulting in bodily injury — The act of shining, pointing, or focusing the laser lighting device beam on an individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft results in bodily injury.) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Laser device on operator resulting in bodily injury — The act of shining, pointing, or focusing the laser lighting device beam on an individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft results in bodily injury.; 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).
How is misuse of laser lighting devices classified in Florida?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser pointer simulating firearm at law enforcement officer | Noncriminal Violation | A person knowingly and willfully shines, points, or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device at a law enforcement officer performing official duties in a manner that would cause a reasonable person to believe a firearm is pointed at them. | Fla. Stat. § 784.062(2) |
| Laser device on operator of motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft | Felony of the Third Degree | A person knowingly and willfully shines, points, or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device on an individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft. | Fla. Stat. § 784.062(3)(a) |
| Laser device on operator resulting in bodily injury | Felony of the Second Degree | The act of shining, pointing, or focusing the laser lighting device beam on an individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft results in bodily injury. | Fla. Stat. § 784.062(3)(b) |
Common questions about misuse of laser lighting devices in Florida
Is misuse of laser lighting devices a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
It depends on the circumstances: misuse of laser lighting devices ranges from a Noncriminal Violation to a Felony of the Second Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 784.062.
Laser pointer simulating firearm at law enforcement officer: Noncriminal Violation (Fla. Stat. § 784.062(2)) · Laser device on operator of motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft: Felony of the Third Degree (Fla. Stat. § 784.062(3)(a)) · Laser device on operator resulting in bodily injury: Felony of the Second Degree (Fla. Stat. § 784.062(3)(b))
What are the penalties for misuse of laser lighting devices in Florida?
Which Florida statute covers misuse of laser lighting devices?
Misuse of laser lighting devices is governed by Fla. Stat. § 784.062 (Misuse of laser lighting devices).
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.