FL H0117

Expands the list of officials protected from false personation under Florida law to include firefighters and adds fire or arson investigators, with penalties ranging from third-degree felony to first-degree felony depending on circumstances.

Prohibits the sale, transfer, or giving away of badges or items bearing the words "fire department" without exceptions for legitimate agency purchases or Governor-appointed personnel, with 2-year record-keeping requirements for sellers.

Prohibits ownership or operation of motor vehicles marked or identified with the words "fire department" without authorization from the appropriate agency, Governor appointment, or local fire department approval.

Requires specific intent to mislead when displaying certain law enforcement or fire department indicia of authority, clarifying that items must be intended to deceive or cause belief of agency membership.

Establishes violations as first-degree misdemeanors punishable under Florida Statutes sections 775.082 or 775.083, with the act taking effect October 1, 2015.