CS/CS/CS/HB 915 Summary

• Creates section 817.535 making it a third-degree felony to file false documents affecting ownership, transfer, or claims against real or personal property with intent to defraud or harass; increases to second-degree felony on second or subsequent offense.

• Escalates penalties when victims are public officers/employees or when offenders are incarcerated/under supervision; provides for injunctions, sealing of false instruments, and civil remedies including actual and punitive damages up to $2,500 per instrument.

• Establishes civil cause of action for property owners to recover damages and attorney fees; requires courts to declare false instruments null and void and may prohibit filers from filing future documents without prior court approval.

• Amends section 843.0855 to clarify definitions and penalties for criminal impersonation and simulated legal process; updates section 921.0022 to reflect revised offense severity rankings in the Criminal Punishment Code.

• Effective October 1, 2013; includes severability clause to preserve bill if any provision is found unconstitutional.