Florida Cracks Down on Stolen Valor for Officials
A Florida Senate bill that would criminalize public officials who falsely claim military service or awards for material gain has passed two legislative committees. Senate Bill 348, which passed unanimously in both the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee and the Ethics and Elections Committee, would add provisions to Florida’s ethics code prohibiting candidates and public officials from making false military service claims. Violators could face censure by the Florida Board of Ethics, a $25,000 fine, and possible removal from office.
Florida Senate Committee Approves Stolen Valor Bill for Public Officials
by | Mar 5, 2025(SUMMATION) Senate Bill 348 passed the Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security by a 6-0 vote. The bill would add to the state’s code of ethics a prohibition on candidates and public officials from making false claims related to their military service for material gain. Penalties could include censure, a fine of $25,000 and recommendation of removal from office. The bill would also expand the attorney general’s authority to seek wage garnishment for unpaid fines. A similar measure is in the House Rules & Ethics Committee. Congress passed the Stolen Valor Act in 2013 that narrowed the crime to one of using false representations about military service to earn money or other benefits.
The legislation, co-sponsored by Senators Jay Collins and Don Gaetz, would also expand the attorney general’s authority to seek wage garnishment for unpaid ethics violation fines without requiring a court judgment. A similar measure is being considered in the House. The bill follows federal Stolen Valor legislation, which was narrowed in 2013 to specifically criminalize false military service claims made for personal benefit after the Supreme Court struck down broader prohibitions on First Amendment grounds.
I have to say I think this is the right path. Although not direct financial gain, the leverage of stolen valor in politics offers several unearned advantages and can be eventually tied to monetary gains.
Category: Politics, Stolen Valor, Stolen Valor Act
