The proposed 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 key terms such as "Armed Forces of the United States," "material gain," and "servicemember," and outlines specific actions that are considered violations, including making false statements about military service or wearing unauthorized military insignia. Violators of this section would be subject to penalties as outlined in section 112.317.

Additionally, the bill amends section 112.317 to specify that civil penalties or restitution penalties are considered delinquent if not paid within 90 days. The Attorney General is tasked with determining if individuals owing penalties are current public officers or employees and must notify the appropriate governing bodies to withhold a portion of their salary-related payments until the penalties are satisfied. The bill also allows for the referral of unpaid fines to collection agencies and authorizes the Attorney General to take action to collect these penalties within 20 years of their imposition. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 399 Filed: 112.317
H 399 c1: 112.317