Florida statute

Fla. Stat. § 784.062 — Misuse of laser lighting devices

Current through 2025 Florida Statutes

Part of Chapter 784: Assault; Battery; Culpable Negligence, Florida Statutes.

Criminal charges under this statute

Misuse of laser lighting devices

Full text of Fla. Stat. § 784.062

Statutory text current through the 2025 Florida Statutes. This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Florida.

Fla. Stat. § 784.062Primary source, current through the 2025 Florida Statutes

(1) As used in subsection (2), the term “laser lighting device” means a handheld device, not affixed to a firearm, which emits a laser beam that is designed to be used by the operator as a pointer or highlighter to indicate, mark, or identify a specific position, place, item, or object. As used in subsection (3), the term “laser lighting device” means any device designed or used to amplify electromagnetic radiation by stimulated emission. (2) Any person who knowingly and willfully shines, points, or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device at a law enforcement officer, engaged in the performance of his or her official duties, in such a manner that would cause a reasonable person to believe that a firearm is pointed at him or her commits a noncriminal violation, punishable as provided in s. 775.083. (3)(a) Any person who knowingly and willfully shines, points, or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device on an individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.(b) Any person who knowingly and willfully shines, points, or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device on an individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft and such act results in bodily injury commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

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))

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).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.