Florida § 538.23 - Violations and penalties.
Full text of Florida Florida Statutes § 538.23 — Violations and penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 538.23. Violations and penalties.
(1)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a secondary metals recycler who knowingly and intentionally: 1. Violates s. 538.20 or s. 538.21; 2. Engages in a pattern of failing to keep records required by s. 538.19; 3. Violates s. 538.26(2); or 4. Violates s. 538.235, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (b) A secondary metals recycler who commits a third or subsequent violation of paragraph (a) commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (2) A secondary metals recycler is presumed to know upon receipt of stolen regulated metals property in a purchase transaction that the regulated metals property has been stolen from another if the secondary metals recycler knowingly and intentionally fails to maintain the information required in s. 538.19 and shall, upon conviction of a violation of s. 812.015, be punished as provided in s. 812.014(2) or (3). (3) Any person who knowingly gives false verification of ownership or who gives a false or altered identification and who receives money or other consideration from a secondary metals recycler in return for regulated metals property commits: (a) A felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, if the value of the money or other consideration received is less than $300. (b) A felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, if the value of the money or other consideration received is $300 or more. (4) If a lawful owner recovers stolen regulated metals property from a secondary metals recycler who has complied with this part, and the person who sold the regulated metals property to the secondary metals recycler is convicted of theft, a violation of this section, or dealing in stolen property, the court shall order the defendant to make full restitution, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, court costs, and other expenses to the secondary metals recycler pursuant to s. 775.089. (5) A person acting as a secondary metals recycler who is not registered with the department under s. 538.25 commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida § 538.23
What does Florida Statutes § 538.23 cover?
Section 538.23 ("Violations and penalties.") is part of the Florida Statutes, the codified statutory law of Florida. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Florida § 538.23?
A common citation format is "Florida Statutes § 538.23" (Florida). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Florida law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Florida official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Florida attorney.
How does Florida § 538.23 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Florida can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Florida.