FL H0271

Amends Florida Statutes section 843.08 to prohibit falsely personating a firefighter or law enforcement officer if the action could deceive a reasonable person into believing the person is a bona fide official.

Expands the list of officers covered by false personation laws to include firefighters and clarifies the standard as whether conduct could deceive a reasonable person.

Amends section 843.085 to prohibit operating or owning a motor vehicle falsely marked in a way that could deceive a reasonable person into believing it is authorized by a fire department, with exceptions for appropriate agencies and Governor-appointed personnel.

Establishes tiered penalties: third-degree felony for false personation; second-degree felony if committed during another felony; first-degree felony if the false personation results in death or personal injury.

Takes effect October 1, 2013.