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Florida statute

Fla. Stat. § 790.164 — False reports concerning planting a bomb, explosive, or weapon of mass destruction in, or committing arson against, state-owned property, or concerning the use of firearms in a violent manner; penalty; reward

Current through 2025 Florida Statutes

Part of Chapter 790: Weapons and Firearms, Florida Statutes.

Criminal charges under this statute

Full text of Fla. Stat. § 790.164

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. § 790.164Primary source, current through the 2025 Florida Statutes
(1) It is unlawful for any person to make a false report, with intent to deceive, mislead, or otherwise misinform any person, concerning the placing or planting of any bomb, dynamite, other deadly explosive, or weapon of mass destruction as defined in s. 790.166, concerning any act of arson or other violence to property owned by the state or any political subdivision, or concerning the use of firearms in a violent manner against a person or persons. A person who violates this subsection commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (2) Notwithstanding any other law, adjudication of guilt or imposition of sentence for a violation of this section may not be suspended, deferred, or withheld. However, the state attorney may move the sentencing court to reduce or suspend the sentence of any person who is convicted of a violation of this section and who provides substantial assistance in the identification, arrest, or conviction of any of his or her accomplices, accessories, coconspirators, or principals. (3) Proof that a person accused of violating this section knowingly made a false report is prima facie evidence of the accused person’s intent to deceive, mislead, or otherwise misinform any person. (4)(a) There shall be a $5,000 reward for the giving of information to any law enforcement agency in the state, which information leads to the arrest and conviction of any person violating the provisions of this section. Any person claiming such reward shall apply to the law enforcement agency developing the case and be paid by the Department of Law Enforcement from the deficiency fund.(b) There shall be only one reward given for each case, regardless of how many persons are arrested and convicted in connection with the case and regardless of how many persons submit claims for the reward.(c) The Department of Law Enforcement shall establish procedures to be used by all reward applicants, and the circuit judge in whose jurisdiction the action occurs shall review all such applications and make final determination as to those applicants entitled to receive an award.(d) In addition to any other penalty provided by law with respect to any person who is convicted of a violation of this section that resulted in the mobilization or action of any law enforcement officer or any state or local agency, a person convicted of a violation of this section may be required by the court to pay restitution for all of the costs and damages arising from the criminal conduct.

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is false reports concerning planting a bomb, explosive, or weapon of mass destruction in, or committing arson against, state-owned property, or concerning the use of firearms in a violent manner; penalty; reward a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?

False reports concerning planting a bomb, explosive, or weapon of mass destruction in, or committing arson against, state-owned property, or concerning the use of firearms in a violent manner; penalty; reward is a Felony of the Second Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 790.164.

Which Florida statute covers false reports concerning planting a bomb, explosive, or weapon of mass destruction in, or committing arson against, state-owned property, or concerning the use of firearms in a violent manner; penalty; reward?

False reports concerning planting a bomb, explosive, or weapon of mass destruction in, or committing arson against, state-owned property, or concerning the use of firearms in a violent manner; penalty; reward is governed by Fla. Stat. § 790.164 (False reports concerning planting a bomb, explosive, or weapon of mass destruction in, or committing arson against, state-owned property, or concerning the use of firearms in a violent manner; penalty; reward).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.