Until 2013, any person falsely impersonating military service members and or pretending to have served in the armed forces could be prosecuted. However, with the signing of the Stolen Valor Act, these rules were reversed. While the law does not prohibit anyone from lying about their military service, lying about receiving certain honors is still a punishable offense.
These honors and military distinctions include:
- Medals of Honor from any branch of the U.S. Armed Services
- Distinguished Service Crosses
- Combat Medical Badges
- Navy and Air Force Crosses
- Silver Stars
- Combat Action Ribbons
- Combat Action Medals and Badges
- Purple Hearts
- Combat Infantryman’s Badges
Wearing Military Uniforms and Decorations
The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 prohibits people from wearing military decorations without authorization. Florida law makes it illegal for any person to misrepresent themselves as a member of the military by sporting the uniform, medals, insignia, chevrons, or any other badges, strictly for material gain.
This includes decorations awarded by:
- The Air Force
- The Army
- The Coast Guard
- The Marine Corps
- The Navy
- The National Guard
Penalties for Impersonating Veteran Service
If an individual has not served in the armed forces, using a military uniform to increase the chance of charitable handout, employment, or any other type of compensation is a crime. The penalies for this third-degree felony are outlined by Florida state statutes such as 775.082, 775.083, and 775.084.
Any person attempting to acquire medical benefits, money, property, or any other material gain by pretending to have served in the armed forces risks one year of imprisonment. Furthermore, any person running for public office risks punishment if they lie about their veteran status. Offenders will also be asked to return any money or tangible property acquired through this deceit and may be required to complete additional restitution awarded by the courts.
Extracting Material Gains Using the Veteran Status is Punishable
Providing false military documentation to avail of medical benefits carries penalties for fraud. Although different states have their own sentences, it is critical to note that impersonating an army member just to extract money or any other kind of benefits from the general public is a punishable offense carrying hard penalties.