(1) The Legislature finds and declares that Florida’s citizens are vulnerable to becoming the victims of criminal acts through the illegal use of blue lights by the criminal elements. It is the intent of the Legislature to reduce this vulnerability to injury and loss of life and property by prohibiting the use of certain blue lights by any person other than an authorized law enforcement officer.
(2) It is unlawful for a person to use in or on any nongovernmentally owned vehicle or vessel any flashing or rotating blue light unless such person is a law enforcement officer employed by a federal, state, county, or city law enforcement agency or is a person appointed by the Governor pursuant to chapter 354.
(3) The provisions of this section shall not apply to salespersons, service representatives, or other employees of businesses licensed to sell or repair law enforcement equipment.
(4) For the purposes of this section, the term “flashing or rotating blue light” includes all forms of lights which display a blue light source or which were designed with the intent of displaying a blue light source whether or not such light is actually in use.
(5) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 2, ch. 91-163; s. 1, ch. 94-103; s. 1339, ch. 97-102.
Structure Florida Statutes
Chapter 843 - Obstructing Justice
843.01 - Resisting Officer With Violence to His or Her Person.
843.02 - Resisting Officer Without Violence to His or Her Person.
843.021 - Unlawful Possession of a Concealed Handcuff Key.
843.025 - Depriving Officer of Means of Protection or Communication.
843.03 - Obstruction by Disguised Person.
843.04 - Refusing to Assist Prison Officers in Arresting Escaped Convicts.
843.05 - Resisting Timber Agent.
843.06 - Neglect or Refusal to Aid Peace Officers.
843.081 - Prohibited Use of Certain Lights; Penalty.
843.085 - Unlawful Use of Badges or Other Indicia of Authority.
843.0855 - Criminal Actions Under Color of Law or Through Use of Simulated Legal Process.
843.09 - Escape Through Voluntary Action of Officer.
843.10 - Escape by Negligence of Officer.
843.11 - Conveying Tools Into Jail to Aid Escape; Forcible Rescue.
843.13 - Aiding Escape of Juvenile Inmates of Correctional Institutions.
843.15 - Failure of Defendant on Bail to Appear.
843.167 - Unlawful Use of Police Communications; Enhanced Penalties.
843.17 - Publishing Name and Address of Law Enforcement Officer.
843.18 - Boats; Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer.
843.19 - Offenses Against Police Canines, Fire Canines, Sar Canines, or Police Horses.
843.21 - Depriving Crime Victim of Medical Care.
843.22 - Traveling Across County Lines With Intent to Commit a Burglary.