FL S2016

Expands the crime of false personation to include falsely assuming the identity of a firefighter or any criminal justice agency employee (federal, state, local, municipal, tribal, or territorial) when the action could deceive a reasonable person into believing the person is a bona fide official.

Makes false personation of law enforcement or firefighting officials a third-degree felony; increases to second-degree felony if committed during another felony, and first-degree felony if the false personation results in death or personal injury.

Prohibits ownership or operation of motor vehicles falsely marked with fire department insignia, words, or symbols that could deceive a reasonable person into believing the vehicle is authorized by a fire department, except for authorized agency vehicles or those appointed by the Governor.

Allows fraternal, benevolent, labor organizations, and their chapters to use fire department terminology in their official organization names without violating the vehicle marking restrictions.

Updates the Criminal Punishment Code to reflect the new false personation offense terminology and severity rankings, effective October 1, 2011.