As used in this chapter, the term “business entity” means any corporation, partnership, limited partnership, company, limited liability company, proprietorship, firm, enterprise, franchise, association, self-employed individual, or trust, whether fictitiously named or not, doing business in this state.

History.—s. 1, ch. 2015-166.

It is unlawful for anyone to add to or alter or deface any existing brand on any animal not his or her own or without the consent of the owner, with a fraudulent intent to claim the same, any bar, letter, figure, or character of any kind. Any violation of this section shall be a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

History.—ss. 1, 3, ch. 4734, 1899; GS 3334; RGS 5174; CGL 7277; s. 857, ch. 71-136; s. 1254, ch. 97-102.

Whoever shall fraudulently mark or brand any unmarked or unbranded animal with the intent to claim the same or to prevent identification by the true owner or owners thereof, shall be punished as provided in s. 817.24.

History.—s. 4, ch. 4734, 1899; GS 3335; RGS 5175; CGL 7278.

A person who falsifies information or written documentation, or knowingly provides fraudulent information or written documentation, for an emotional support animal under s. 760.27, or otherwise knowingly and willfully misrepresents himself or herself, through his or her conduct or through a verbal or written notice, as having a disability or disability-related need for an emotional support animal or being otherwise qualified to use an emotional support animal, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. In addition, within 6 months after a conviction under this section, a person must perform 30 hours of community service for an organization that serves persons with disabilities or for another entity or organization that the court determines is appropriate.

History.—s. 11, ch. 2020-76.