SB 402 amends Florida’s unlawful-use-of-uniforms statute to expressly include the U.S. Space Force. The bill makes it unlawful for a person to falsely represent themselves as a Space Force member or veteran, or to wear a Space Force uniform, medal, or insignia without authorization, when doing so to solicit charitable contributions or obtain material gain such as employment or public office.
The measure also makes technical conforming changes to the existing statute, which already covers the other armed forces and the National Guard, and it preserves the exception for theatrical use. A violation remains a third-degree felony, punishable under Florida’s criminal sentencing provisions, and the bill would take effect on October 1, 2025.
Impact
The bill expands s. 817.312, Florida Statutes, by adding the Space Force to the list of military branches protected from impersonation and unauthorized use of uniforms, medals, and insignia. It affects individuals who misrepresent military service for financial or other material benefit, as well as charitable solicitors and job or office seekers who use false military credentials. The bill does not create a new offense category, but it broadens the existing felony prohibition to cover Space Force-related conduct.
Sentiment
The available voting record shows strong, unanimous support at every stage, with no recorded dissent in the Senate committees or on the floor. The bill passed the Senate Criminal Justice Committee 8-0, the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee 5-0, the Senate Rules Committee 25-0, and third reading 38-0. No committee transcripts were provided, but the votes indicate broad agreement and little apparent controversy.
Contention
There is no recorded opposition in the available materials. The only notable policy issue is the scope of the statute: the bill updates Florida law to reflect the Space Force as a covered military branch and keeps the existing exception for theatrical performances. Any potential concern would likely center on ensuring the law targets fraudulent impersonation for gain rather than legitimate expressive or performance-related uses, but no such objection appears in the vote history provided.