Florida Laser Statutes

..

It is illegal, but it hasn't been enforced because it's not really feasible, and nothing serious has happened with a laser yet.

Edit: That .pdf says that any laser greater than Class IIIA has to be registered...gah, it's like Australia...

..

it's only illeagle to import a laser greater than 5mW power if it DOSN'T have FDA safety requirments on board.

If you built it yourself I don't think you'd have a problem about the importation law. I don't know if it's enforced well or not though, and I'm not going to really give legal advise on the matter, as I didn't know this stupid law existed before this morning. :yabbmad: Thanks a lot Florida...thanks...a lot....

I'm in Florida, ordered my Arctic to Florida, but I don't live here. So I don't plan on registering anything. NY has no such law.

holy crap I have never heard of this... I don't think anyone I know has registered anything with the state... including commercial installs... FDA variances and product reports ya, but never that... I am going to ask some people and see what they say...

drumz0rz said:

I'm in Florida, ordered my Arctic to Florida, but I don't live here. So I don't plan on registering anything. NY has no such law.

Click to expand...

New York has the second strictest laser laws in the nation after Arizona. Professional or public users (laser show, industrial, surveying) must take a brutal test, get a eye exam, have a license, have a designated LSO, have a safety program in place and pay a big fee.

Many states have rules/registration/fees, NY, Texas, Florida, Mass, AZ, New Jersey etc

Florida has a nasty rule about hitting a vehicle or a law enforcement officer with more then 5 mW, can come with FELONY jail time.

This is a small fraction of the pointer rules in the US, and industrial/scientific users have rules in many states. Only way to know for sure is hit a law library, or the state AGs web site in each state, and/or contact the state industrial safety folks in each state.

http://www.laserpointersafety.com/rules-general/uslaws/uslaws.html


Florida's wording:

FLORIDA: Law enforcement and illuminating vehicles
CHAPTER 784
ASSAULT; BATTERY; CULPABLE NEGLIGENCE
784.062 Misuse of laser lighting devices.

(1) As used in subsection (2), the term "laser lighting device" means a hand-held device, not affixed to a firearm, which emits a laser beam that is designed to be used by the operator as a pointer or highlighter to indicate, mark, or identify a specific position, place, item, or object. As used in subsection (3), the term "laser lighting device" means any device designed or used to amplify electromagnetic radiation by stimulated emission.

(2) Any person who knowingly and willfully shines, points, or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device at a law enforcement officer, engaged in the performance of his or her official duties, in such a manner that would cause a reasonable person to believe that a firearm is pointed at him or her commits a noncriminal violation, punishable as provided in s. 775.083.

(3) (a) Any person who knowingly and willfully shines, points, or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device on an individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(b) Any person who knowingly and willfully shines, points, or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device on an individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft and such act results in bodily injury commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

History.--s. 1, ch. 2002-80; s. 1, ch. 2005-159.






Steve

Again, the key part of this is knowingly and willfully. Therefore accidental illumination of a vehicle, or airplane, is not punishable.

ShaOwned said:

Again, the key part of this is knowingly and willfully. Therefore accidental illumination of a vehicle, or airplane, is not punishable.

Click to expand...

doesn't mean they cant arrest you and make your life hell while dragging you through court... sometimes its better to avoid the situation all together

y7deluxe said:

I found this: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...-PW1Bg&usg=AFQjCNHWRq9BMSFFkUaC1Ehls1lsFU3OJw

I'm not an attorney, but I read it as anybody in Florida that owns a class IV laser is required to register it with the state. Can anybody confirm this is what the statute is stating? Basically, I want to know if I legally must register my 1000mW 445nm portable laser with the state.

In addition to this, it'd be nice to hear from other Florida residence on this subject and whether anybody has actually registered with the state before.

And finally, I've read in several places(on LPF) that it is illegal to import a laser that is greater than 5mW into the USA. If this is true, then why hasn't it been enforced?

Thanks in advance for all of your responses.

Click to expand...

I believe this is the key to understanding this doc.

REGISTRATION OF OUT-OF-STATE LASER RADIATION SOURCES:
Pursuant to Chapter 64E-4.005, Florida Administrative Code requires any person proposing to
bring any laser device (in classes other than those exempt from registration) into the State, for
temporary or permanent use (i.e. entertainment lasers for laser light shows, etc.) must give written
notice to the Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control a minimum of 20 days prior to such
device being used in the State.

Click to expand...

I feel that it refers to devices used in professional manner not those that are used by a private citizen for their own purposes as long as those usages do not overlap with any stated or implied by this document. Other uses for commercial gain like surveying or industrial work place environments, medical, educational would require the device to be registered.