Florida statute
Fla. Stat. § 817.265 — False or fraudulent proof of need for an emotional support animal
Current through 2025 Florida Statutes
Part of Part I: False Pretenses and Frauds,generally, Florida Statutes.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Fla. Stat. § 817.265
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.
A person who falsifies information or written documentation, or knowingly provides fraudulent information or written documentation, for an emotional support animal under s. 760.27, or otherwise knowingly and willfully misrepresents himself or herself, through his or her conduct or through a verbal or written notice, as having a disability or disability-related need for an emotional support animal or being otherwise qualified to use an emotional support animal, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. In addition, within 6 months after a conviction under this section, a person must perform 30 hours of community service for an organization that serves persons with disabilities or for another entity or organization that the court determines is appropriate.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is false or fraudulent proof of need for an emotional support animal a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
False or fraudulent proof of need for an emotional support animal is a Misdemeanor of the Second Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 817.265.
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).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.