The bill establishes a new section, 112.3131, in the Florida Statutes, which prohibits candidates, elected public officers, appointed public officers, and public employees from knowingly misrepresenting their service records, awards, or qualifications related to the Armed Forces of the United States. It defines terms such as "Armed Forces of the United States," "material gain," and "servicemember," and outlines specific actions that are prohibited, including making false statements about military service, wearing unauthorized uniforms or insignia, and misrepresenting military honors. Violators of this section are subject to penalties as specified in section 112.317.

Additionally, the bill amends section 112.317 to clarify when civil penalties imposed by the Commission on Ethics are considered delinquent and establishes procedures for the Attorney General to notify relevant authorities about unpaid penalties owed by current public officers or employees. It mandates that a portion of their salary-related payments be withheld to satisfy these penalties and allows the Attorney General to refer unpaid fines to a collection agency. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 348 Filed: 112.317
S 348 c1: 112.317
S 348 er: 112.317