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Florida Criminal Offense

False Report of Bomb Explosive WMD or Violent Firearm Use

Making a false report about a bomb, explosive, weapon of mass destruction, or violent firearm use with intent to deceive, mislead, or misinform.

FelonySecond Degree

Florida Statute

§ 790.163

False report concerning bomb explosive WMD or firearm use

View Official Florida Statute

Verified against the 2026 Florida Statutes: September 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Knowingly making a false report is prima facie evidence of the required intent under the statute.

Classification Matrix

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

False Report

F.S. § 790.163(1)

FelonySecond Degree

False report with intent to deceive, mislead, or otherwise misinform about covered conduct.

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

    Required Facts

    The defendant made a false report concerning a listed bomb, explosive, weapon of mass destruction, or violent firearm use.

    Plain language: The report concerned conduct specifically listed in the statute.

  2. Element 2
    AND — Required

    Required Facts

    The defendant made the report with intent to deceive, mislead, or otherwise misinform a person.

    Plain language: Knowingly making a false report is prima facie evidence of this intent.

Jury Instructions

Instruction 10.9

False Report Concerning a Bomb, Explosive, Weapon of Mass Destruction, or Violent Firearm Use

Florida Standard Jury Instruction for F.S. § 790.163(1).

View Official Instruction

Verified against the official instruction source: September 13, 2026

Additional Notes

Important

The statute has a mandatory adjudication/sentence restriction and permits restitution for costs and damages from a resulting mobilization or agency action.