CS/CS/HB 1215 Summary

• Amends false personation law (s. 843.08) to add "firefighter" to the list of positions whose impersonation is prohibited; maintains existing felony penalties including third degree for basic impersonation and escalated penalties for impersonation during commission of other felonies.

• Prohibits sale or transfer of badges bearing "fire department" or words associated with law enforcement agencies (police, sheriff, deputy, etc.) unless buyer is verified as actual agency member or appointed by Governor; requires sellers to maintain transaction records for 2 years.

• Prohibits ownership or operation of vehicles marked with "fire department" or law enforcement terms without authorization from appropriate agency or Governor appointment; expands restrictions to vehicles used by fire departments with intent to deceive.

• Creates exception allowing fraternal, benevolent, or labor organizations to use law enforcement and fire department terminology if those words appear in the organization's official name.

• Classifies violations of unauthorized badge use, vehicle operation, or sales restrictions as first-degree misdemeanors; effective date is October 1, 2014.