1998 Florida Code
TITLE XXXV AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE, AND ANIMAL INDUSTRY
Chapter 590 Forest Protection  
590.14   Penalties.

590.14  Penalties.--

(1)  Whoever willfully or intentionally violates any of the provisions of this chapter commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(2)  Whoever carelessly violates any of the provisions of this chapter commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(3)(a)  In addition to all other penalties provided by law, any person who causes an unauthorized forest, grass, woods, wild lands, marsh, leaf, or vegetative-land-clearing debris fire, or permits any fire to escape, is liable for the payment of all reasonable costs and expenses incurred in suppressing the fire. All costs and expenses shall be payable to the Division of Forestry. When such costs and expenses are not paid within a reasonable time after demand, it shall be the duty of the division to take proper legal proceedings for the collection of the costs and expenses.

(b)  The liability for the costs of suppression shall obtain whether or not there is a criminal prosecution, and the liability shall extend to the person, firm, or corporation causing, directing, or permitting the activity as well as to the actual violator.

(4)  The department may also impose an administrative fine, not to exceed $1,000 per violation. The fine shall be based upon the degree of damage and prior violation record of the person. The fines shall be deposited in the Incidental Trust Fund.

(5)  The penalties provided in this section shall extend to both the actual violator and the person or persons, firm, or corporation causing, directing, or permitting the violation.

History.--s. 15, ch. 17029, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 7404(2); s. 1, ch. 20898, 1941; s. 2, ch. 26915, 1951; s. 615, ch. 71-136; s. 82, ch. 93-169.