The Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space and Domestic Security on Oct. 12 reported SB 402 favorably after Chair Senator Wright explained the measure updates language in Florida Statute 817.312.

Senator Wright said Senate Bill 402 “amends Florida statute 817.312, which provides that it is a third degree felony for a person to misrepresent himself or herself as a member or veteran of a specific armed forces or to wear the uniform or insignia of a specified armed forces under certain circumstances.” He described the bill’s principal change as replacing repeated lists of individual branches with a referral to the definition of “armed forces” in statute 250.01, which the sponsor said ensures consistent inclusion of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard.

Committee members spoke in support; one member described seeing people falsely represent themselves as veterans and said it “cheapens that service in every way, shape, and form.” Senator Wright said the measure is intended to address incidents in which individuals wear medals or uniforms to solicit funds and then keep the proceeds.

No appearance forms were filed and the clerk recorded the roll; the chair announced, “By your vote, SB 402 is reported favorably.” The committee did not debate amendments, and no implementation timetable or interagency responsibilities beyond the statutory citation were discussed on the record.