Florida § 713.35 - Making or furnishing false statement.

§ 713.35. Making or furnishing false statement.

Any person, firm, or corporation who knowingly and intentionally makes or furnishes to another person, firm, or corporation an affidavit, a waiver or release of lien, or other document, whether or not under oath, containing false information about the payment status of subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, or suppliers in connection with the improvement of real property in this state, knowing that the one to whom it was furnished might rely on it, and the one to whom it was furnished will part with draw payments or final payment relying on the truth of such statement as an inducement to do so commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. A state attorney or the statewide prosecutor, upon the filing of an indictment or information against a contractor, subcontractor, or sub-subcontractor which charges such person with a violation of this section, shall forward a copy of the indictment or information to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation shall promptly open an investigation into the matter and, if probable cause is found, shall furnish a copy of any investigative report to the state attorney or statewide prosecutor who furnished a copy of the indictment or information and to the owner of the property which is the subject of the investigation.