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Florida Criminal Offense

Disposing of Lighted Substances

POP

Throwing, dropping, or disposing of a lighted match, cigarette, cigar, ashes, another flaming or glowing substance, or a substance or thing that may or does cause a wildfire.

MisdemeanorFirst Degree

Florida Statute

§ 590.10

Disposing of lighted substances

View Official Florida Statute

Verified against the 2026 Florida Statutes: September 13, 2026

Quick Summary

This wildfire-prevention offense covers lighted or other potentially wildfire-causing material. It is a first-degree misdemeanor.

Classification Matrix

Use this as a quick classification reference. Specific facts, statutory circumstances, and charging allegations may affect the applicable result.

Disposing of Lighted Substances

F.S. § 590.10

MisdemeanorFirst Degree

Throwing, dropping, or disposing of a listed lighted, glowing, flaming, or wildfire-causing substance or thing.

Elements of the Offense

Elements marked AND are cumulative. Elements marked OR identify statutory alternatives; one applicable alternative must be established when that theory is charged. Conditional elements apply only to the identified statutory track.

  1. Element 1
    AND — Required

    The prohibited act and one listed substance or thing must be proven

    The defendant threw, dropped, or disposed of a lighted match, cigarette, cigar, ashes, another flaming or glowing substance, or a substance or thing that may or does cause a wildfire.

    Plain language: The defendant disposed of one of the listed lighted or wildfire-causing substances or things.

Jury Instructions

No dedicated Florida Standard Jury Instruction was located in the July 2026 compilation. Consult the current statute, applicable case law, and agency or legal guidance.

View Official Jury Instructions

Additional Notes

Quick Reference

This offense covers more than discarded cigarettes. Document the specific lighted, glowing, flaming, or wildfire-causing substance or thing and its disposal.