837.05 False reports to law enforcement authorities.
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/fl/title-xlvi/chapter-837/837-05·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
(1)(a) Except as provided in paragraph
(b)or subsection (2), a person who knowingly gives false information to a law enforcement officer concerning the alleged commission of any crime, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083 .
(b)A person who commits a violation of paragraph
(a)commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 , s. 775.083 , or s. 775.084 , if the person has previously been convicted of a violation of paragraph
(a)and subparagraph 1. or subparagraph 2. applies:
1. The information the person gave to the law enforcement officer was communicated orally and the officer’s account of that information is corroborated by:
a. An audio recording or audio recording in a video of that information;
b. A written or recorded statement made by the person who gave that information; or
c. Another person who was present when that person gave that information to the officer and heard that information.
2. The information the person gave to the law enforcement officer was communicated in writing.
(2)A person who knowingly gives false information to a law enforcement officer concerning the alleged commission of a capital felony, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 , s. 775.083 , or s. 775.084 .
(3)A court shall order any person convicted of violating this section to pay:
(a)The costs of prosecution and investigation under s. 938.27 .
(b)Restitution to any victim who suffers damage or injury as a proximate result of lawful conduct arising out of a law enforcement response.