Florida § 843.167 - Unlawful use of police communications; enhanced penalties.
Full text of Florida Florida Statutes § 843.167 — Unlawful use of police communications; enhanced penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 843.167. Unlawful use of police communications; enhanced penalties.
(1) A person may not: (a) Intercept any police radio communication by use of a scanner or any other means for the purpose of using that communication to assist in committing a crime or to escape from or avoid detection, arrest, trial, conviction, or punishment in connection with the commission of such crime. (b) Divulge the existence, contents, substance, purport, effect, or meaning of a police radio communication to any person he or she knows to be a suspect in the commission of a crime with the intent that the suspect may escape from or avoid detention, arrest, trial, conviction, or punishment. (2) Any person who is charged with a crime and who, during the time such crime was committed, possessed or used a police scanner or similar device capable of receiving police radio transmissions is presumed to have violated paragraph (1)(a). (3) The penalty for a crime that is committed by a person who violates paragraph (1)(a) shall be enhanced as follows: (a) A misdemeanor of the second degree shall be punished as if it were a misdemeanor of the first degree. (b) A misdemeanor of the first degree shall be punished as if it were a felony of the third degree. (c) A felony of the third degree shall be punished as if it were a felony of the second degree. (d) A felony of the second degree shall be punished as if it were a felony of the first degree. (e) A felony of the first degree shall be punished as if it were a life felony. (4) Any person who violates paragraph (1)(b) commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
Source: official Florida text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida § 843.167
What does Florida Statutes § 843.167 cover?
Section 843.167 ("Unlawful use of police communications; enhanced 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 § 843.167?
A common citation format is "Florida Statutes § 843.167" (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 § 843.167 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.