The Florida Senate

590.14  Warning citation; notice of violation; penalties.--

(1)  If unpredicted atmospheric conditions occur which cause an authorized fire to escape from the boundaries of the authorized area, if the fire does not leave the land owned or controlled by the authorization holder, and if no damage has occurred, the division may issue a warning citation of violation of s. 590.125.

(2)  If a division employee determines that a person has violated chapter 589 or chapter 590, he or she may issue a notice of violation indicating the statute violated. This notice will be filed with the division and a copy forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement entity for further action if necessary.

(3)  In addition to any other penalties provided by law, any person who causes a wildfire or permits any authorized fire to escape the boundaries of the authorization or to burn past the time of the authorization is liable for the payment of all reasonable costs and expenses incurred in suppressing the fire or $150, whichever is greater. All costs and expenses incurred by the division shall be payable to the division. When such costs and expenses are not paid within 30 days after demand, the division may take proper legal proceedings for the collection of the costs and expenses. Those costs incurred by an agency acting at the division's direction are recoverable by that agency.

(4)  The department may also impose an administrative fine, not to exceed $1,000 per violation of any section of chapter 589 or chapter 590. The fine shall be based upon the degree of damage and prior violation record of the person. The fines shall be deposited in the Incidental Trust Fund of the division.

(5)  The penalties provided in this section shall extend to both the actual violator and the person or persons, firm, or corporation causing, directing, or permitting the violation.

History.--s. 15, ch. 17029, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 7404(2); s. 1, ch. 20898, 1941; s. 2, ch. 26915, 1951; s. 615, ch. 71-136; s. 82, ch. 93-169; s. 11, ch. 99-292.