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The Florida Senate

2016 Florida Statutes

Title XLVI CRIMES
Chapter 876
CRIMINAL ANARCHY, TREASON, AND OTHER CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER
CHAPTER 876
CHAPTER 876
CRIMINAL ANARCHY, TREASON, AND OTHER CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER
876.01 Advocacy of specified doctrines relating to overthrow of constitutional government by force or violence prohibited.
876.02 Criminal anarchy, Communism, and other specified doctrines; prohibitions.
876.03 Unlawful assembly for purposes of anarchy, communism, or other specified doctrines.
876.04 Allowing unlawful assembly in building prohibited.
876.05 Public employees; oath.
876.06 Discharge for refusal to execute.
876.08 Penalty for not discharging.
876.09 Scope of law.
876.10 False oath; penalty.
876.11 Public place defined.
876.12 Wearing mask, hood, or other device on public way.
876.13 Wearing mask, hood, or other device on public property.
876.14 Wearing mask, hood, or other device on property of another.
876.15 Wearing mask, hood, or other device at demonstration or meeting.
876.155 Applicability; ss. 876.12-876.15.
876.16 Sections 876.11-876.15; exemptions.
876.17 Placing burning or flaming cross in public place.
876.18 Placing burning or flaming cross on property of another.
876.19 Exhibits that intimidate.
876.20 Wearing mask and placing exhibit to intimidate.
876.21 Sections 876.11-876.20; penalty.
876.22 Subversive activities law; definitions.
876.23 Subversive activities unlawful; penalty.
876.24 Membership in subversive organization; penalty.
876.25 Persons convicted under s. 876.23 or s. 876.24 not to hold office or vote.
876.26 Unlawful for subversive organizations to exist or function.
876.27 Enforcement of ss. 876.22-876.31.
876.28 Grand jury to investigate violations of ss. 876.22-876.31.
876.29 Subversive person prohibited from holding office or employment.
876.30 Subversive person not to be candidate for election.
876.31 Short title; ss. 876.22-876.30.
876.32 Treason.
876.33 Misprision of treason.
876.34 Combination to usurp government.
876.35 Combination against part of the people of the state.
876.36 Inciting insurrection.
876.37 Sabotage prevention law; definitions.
876.38 Intentional injury to or interference with property.
876.39 Intentionally defective workmanship.
876.40 Attempts.
876.41 Conspirators.
876.42 Witnesses’ privileges.
876.43 Unlawful entry on property.
876.44 Questioning and detaining suspected persons.
876.45 Closing and restricting use of highway.
876.46 Penalty for going upon closed or restricted highway.
876.47 Rights of labor.
876.48 Relation to other statutes.
876.49 Construction.
876.50 Effective period of law.
876.51 Short title.
876.52 Public mutilation of flag.
876.01 Advocacy of specified doctrines relating to overthrow of constitutional government by force or violence prohibited.—“Criminal anarchy,” “criminal Communism,” “criminal Naziism,” or “criminal Fascism” are doctrines that existing form of constitutional government should be overthrown by force or violence or by any other unlawful means, or by assassination of officials of the Government of the United States or of the several states. The advocacy of such doctrines either by word of mouth or writing or the promotion of such doctrines independently or in collaboration with or under the guidance of officials of a foreign state or an international revolutionary party or group is unlawful.
History.—s. 1, ch. 20216, 1941; s. 1136, ch. 71-136.
876.02 Criminal anarchy, Communism, and other specified doctrines; prohibitions.—Any person who:
(1) By word of mouth or writing advocates, advises, or teaches the duty, necessity, or propriety of overthrowing or overturning existing forms of constitutional government by force or violence; of disobeying or sabotaging or hindering the carrying out of the laws, orders, or decrees of duly constituted civil, naval, or military authorities; or by the assassination of officials of the Government of the United States or of the state, or by any unlawful means or under the guidance of, or in collaboration with, officials, agents, or representatives of a foreign state or an international revolutionary party or group; or
(2) Prints, publishes, edits, issues, or knowingly circulates, sells, distributes, or publicly displays any book, paper, document, or written or printed matter in any form, containing or advocating, advising, or teaching the doctrine that constitutional government should be overthrown by force, violence, or any unlawful means; or
(3) Openly, willfully and deliberately urges, advocates, or justifies by word of mouth or writing the assassination or unlawful killing or assaulting of any official of the Government of the United States or of this state because of his or her official character, or any other crime, with intent to teach, spread, or advocate the propriety of the doctrines of criminal anarchy, criminal Communism, criminal Naziism, or criminal Fascism; or
(4) Organizes or helps to organize or becomes a member of any society, group, or assembly of persons formed to teach or advocate such doctrines; or
(5) Becomes a member of, associated with or promotes the interest of any criminal anarchistic, Communistic, Naziistic or Fascistic organization, or helps to organize or becomes a member of or affiliated with any subsidiary organization or associated group of persons who advocates, teaches, or advises the principles of criminal anarchy, criminal Communism, criminal Naziism or criminal Fascism;

shall be guilty of a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

History.—s. 2, ch. 20216, 1941; s. 1137, ch. 71-136; s. 1411, ch. 97-102.
876.03 Unlawful assembly for purposes of anarchy, communism, or other specified doctrines.—Whenever two or more persons assemble for the purpose of promoting, advocating, or teaching the doctrine of criminal anarchy, criminal Communism, criminal Naziism or criminal Fascism, as defined in s. 876.01 of this law, such an assembly or organization is unlawful, and every person voluntarily participating therein by his or her presence, aid, or instigation shall be guilty of a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
History.—s. 3, ch. 20216, 1941; s. 1138, ch. 71-136; s. 1412, ch. 97-102.
876.04 Allowing unlawful assembly in building prohibited.—No owner, agent, superintendent, janitor, caretaker, or occupant of any place, building, or room, shall willfully and knowingly permit therein any assemblage of persons prohibited by s. 876.03, and if such person after notification that the premises are so used permits such use to be continued he or she shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 4, ch. 20216, 1941; s. 1139, ch. 71-136; s. 1413, ch. 97-102.
876.05 Public employees; oath.—
(1) All persons who now or hereafter are employed by or who now or hereafter are on the payroll of the state, or any of its departments and agencies, subdivisions, counties, cities, school boards and districts of the free public school system of the state or counties, or institutions of higher learning, except candidates for federal office, are required to take an oath before any person duly authorized to take acknowledgments of instruments for public record in the state in the following form:

I,  , a citizen of the State of Florida and of the United States of America, and being employed by or an officer of   and a recipient of public funds as such employee or officer, do hereby solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Florida.

(2) Said oath shall be filed with the records of the governing official or employing governmental agency prior to the approval of any voucher for the payment of salary, expenses, or other compensation.
History.—s. 1, ch. 25046, 1949; s. 22, ch. 83-214; s. 55, ch. 2007-30; s. 77, ch. 2011-40.
876.06 Discharge for refusal to execute.—If any person required by ss. 876.05-876.10 to take the oath herein provided for fails to execute the same, the governing authority under which such person is employed shall cause said person to be immediately discharged, and his or her name removed from the payroll, and such person shall not be permitted to receive any payment as an employee or as an officer where he or she was serving.
History.—s. 2, ch. 25046, 1949; s. 1414, ch. 97-102.
876.08 Penalty for not discharging.—Any governing authority or person, under whom any employee is serving or by whom employed who shall knowingly or carelessly permit any such employee to continue in employment after failing to comply with the provisions of ss. 876.05-876.10, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 4, ch. 25046, 1949; s. 1140, ch. 71-136.
876.09 Scope of law.—
(1) The provisions of ss. 876.05-876.10 shall apply to all employees and elected officers of the state, including the Governor and constitutional officers and all employees and elected officers of all cities, towns, counties, and political subdivisions, including the educational system.
(2) This act shall take precedence over all laws relating to merit, and of civil service law.
History.—ss. 5, 7, ch. 25046, 1949.
876.10 False oath; penalty.—If any person required by the provisions of ss. 876.05-876.10 to execute the oath herein required executes such oath, and it is subsequently proven that at the time of the execution of said oath said individual was guilty of making a false statement in said oath, he or she shall be guilty of perjury.
History.—s. 6, ch. 25046, 1949; s. 1141, ch. 71-136; s. 1415, ch. 97-102.
876.11 Public place defined.—For the purpose of ss. 876.11-876.21 the term “public place” includes all walks, alleys, streets, boulevards, avenues, lanes, roads, highways, or other ways or thoroughfares dedicated to public use or owned or maintained by public authority; and all grounds and buildings owned, leased by, operated, or maintained by public authority.
History.—s. 1, ch. 26542, 1951.
876.12 Wearing mask, hood, or other device on public way.—No person or persons over 16 years of age shall, while wearing any mask, hood, or device whereby any portion of the face is so hidden, concealed, or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer, enter upon, or be or appear upon any lane, walk, alley, street, road, highway, or other public way in this state.
History.—s. 2, ch. 26542, 1951.
876.13 Wearing mask, hood, or other device on public property.—No person or persons shall in this state, while wearing any mask, hood, or device whereby any portion of the face is so hidden, concealed, or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer, enter upon, or be, or appear upon or within the public property of any municipality or county of the state.
History.—s. 3, ch. 26542, 1951.
876.14 Wearing mask, hood, or other device on property of another.—No person or persons over 16 years of age shall, while wearing a mask, hood, or device whereby any portion of the face is so hidden, concealed, or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer, demand entrance or admission or enter or come upon or into the premises, enclosure, or house of any other person in any municipality or county of this state.
History.—s. 4, ch. 26542, 1951.
876.15 Wearing mask, hood, or other device at demonstration or meeting.—No person or persons over 16 years of age, shall, while wearing a mask, hood, or device whereby any portion of the face is so hidden, concealed, or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer, hold any manner of meeting, make any demonstration upon the private property of another unless such person or persons shall have first obtained from the owner or occupier of the property his or her written permission to so do.
History.—s. 5, ch. 26542, 1951.
876.155 Applicability; ss. 876.12-876.15.—The provisions of ss. 876.12-876.15 apply only if the person was wearing the mask, hood, or other device:
(1) With the intent to deprive any person or class of persons of the equal protection of the laws or of equal privileges and immunities under the laws or for the purpose of preventing the constituted authorities of this state or any subdivision thereof from, or hindering them in, giving or securing to all persons within this state the equal protection of the laws;
(2) With the intent, by force or threat of force, to injure, intimidate, or interfere with any person because of the person’s exercise of any right secured by federal, state, or local law or to intimidate such person or any other person or any class of persons from exercising any right secured by federal, state, or local law;
(3) With the intent to intimidate, threaten, abuse, or harass any other person; or
(4) While she or he was engaged in conduct that could reasonably lead to the institution of a civil or criminal proceeding against her or him, with the intent of avoiding identification in such a proceeding.
History.—s. 1, ch. 81-249; s. 1416, ch. 97-102.
876.16 Sections 876.11-876.15; exemptions.—The following persons are exempted from the provisions of ss. 876.11-876.15:
(1) Any person or persons wearing traditional holiday costumes;
(2) Any person or persons engaged in trades and employment where a mask is worn for the purpose of ensuring the physical safety of the wearer, or because of the nature of the occupation, trade, or profession;
(3) Any person or persons using masks in theatrical productions, including use in Gasparilla celebrations and masquerade balls;
(4) Persons wearing gas masks prescribed in emergency management drills and exercises.
History.—s. 6, ch. 26542, 1951; s. 46, ch. 83-334.
876.17 Placing burning or flaming cross in public place.—It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to place or cause to be placed in a public place in the state a burning or flaming cross or any manner of exhibit in which a burning or flaming cross, real or simulated, is a whole or a part.
History.—s. 7, ch. 26542, 1951.
876.18 Placing burning or flaming cross on property of another.—It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to place or cause to be placed on the property of another in the state a burning or flaming cross or any manner of exhibit in which a burning or flaming cross, real or simulated, is a whole or part without first obtaining written permission of the owner or occupier of the premises to so do. Any person who violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 8, ch. 26542, 1951; s. 3, ch. 91-83.
876.19 Exhibits that intimidate.—It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to place, or cause to be placed, anywhere in the state any exhibit of any kind whatsoever with the intention of intimidating any person or persons, to prevent them from doing any act which is lawful, or to cause them to do any act which is unlawful.
History.—s. 9, ch. 26542, 1951.
876.20 Wearing mask and placing exhibit to intimidate.—It shall be unlawful for any person or persons while wearing a mask or any device whereby the face is so covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer to place, or to cause to be placed, at, on, or in any place any exhibit of any kind whatsoever.
History.—s. 10, ch. 26542, 1951.
876.21 Sections 876.11-876.20; penalty.—Any person or persons violating ss. 876.11-876.20, except as provided in s. 876.18, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 11, ch. 26542, 1951; s. 1142, ch. 71-136; s. 4, ch. 91-83.
876.22 Subversive activities law; definitions.—As used in ss. 876.23-876.31:
(1) “Organizations” means an organization, corporation, company, partnership, association, trust, foundation, fund, club, society, committee, political party, or any group of persons, whether or not incorporated, permanently or temporarily associated together for joint action or advancement of views on any subject or subjects.
(2) “Subversive organization” means any organization which engages in or advocates, abets, advises, or teaches, or a purpose of which is to engage in or advocate, abet, advise, or teach activities intended to overthrow, destroy, or to assist in the overthrow or destruction of the constitutional form of the Government of the United States, the constitution or government of the state, or of any political subdivision of either of them, by revolution, force, violence, or other unlawful means.
(3) “Foreign subversive organization” means any organization directed, dominated, or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a foreign government which engages in or advocates, abets, advises, or teaches, or a purpose of which is to engage in or to advocate, abet, advise, or teach, activities intended to overthrow, destroy, or to assist in the overthrow or destruction of the constitutional form of the Government of the United States, or of this state, or of any political subdivision of either of them, and to establish in place thereof any form of government the direction and control of which is to be vested in, or exercised by or under, the domination or control of any foreign government, organization, or individual.
(4) “Foreign government” means the government of any country, nation, or group of nations other than the Government of the United States or of one of the states thereof.
(5) “Subversive person” means any person who commits, attempts to commit, or aids in the commission, or advocates, abets, advises, or teaches by any means any person to commit, attempt to commit, or aid in the commission of any act intended to overthrow, destroy, or to assist in the overthrow or destruction of the constitutional form of the Government of the United States, or of this state, or any political subdivision of either of them, by revolution, force, violence, or other unlawful means; or who is a member of a subversive organization or a foreign subversive organization.
History.—s. 1, ch. 28221, 1953.
876.23 Subversive activities unlawful; penalty.—
(1) It shall be a felony for any person knowingly and willfully to:
(a) Commit, attempt to commit, or aid in the commission of any act intended to overthrow, destroy, to assist the overthrow or destruction of the constitutional form of the Government of the United States, or of the state, or any political subdivision of either of them, by revolution, force, violence, or other unlawful means; or
(b) Advocate, abet, advise, or teach by any means any person to commit, attempt to commit, or assist in the commission of any such act under such circumstances as to constitute a clear and present danger to the security of the United States, or of this state, or of any political subdivision of either of them; or
(c) Conspire with one or more persons to commit any such act; or
(d) Assist in the formation or participate in the management or to contribute to the support of any subversive organization or foreign subversive organization knowing said organization to be a subversive organization or a foreign subversive organization; or
(e) Destroy any books, records, or files, or secrete any funds in this state of a subversive organization or a foreign subversive organization, knowing said organization to be such.
(2) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
History.—s. 2, ch. 28221, 1953; s. 1143, ch. 71-136.
876.24 Membership in subversive organization; penalty.—It shall be unlawful for any person after the effective date of this law to become or after July 1, 1953, to remain a member of a subversive organization or a foreign subversive organization knowing said organization to be a subversive organization or foreign subversive organization. Any person convicted of violating this section shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
History.—s. 3, ch. 28221, 1953; s. 1144, ch. 71-136.
876.25 Persons convicted under s. 876.23 or s. 876.24 not to hold office or vote.—Any person convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of violating any of the provisions of s. 876.23 or s. 876.24, in addition to all other penalties therein provided, shall from the date of such conviction be barred from:
(1) Holding any office, elective or appointive, or any other position of profit or trust in, or employment by, the government of the state or of any agency thereof, or of any county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of said state;
(2) Filing or offering for election to any public office in the state; or
(3) Voting in any election held in this state.
History.—s. 4, ch. 28221, 1953.
876.26 Unlawful for subversive organizations to exist or function.—It shall be unlawful for any subversive organization or foreign subversive organization to exist or function in the state and any organization which by a court of competent jurisdiction is found to have violated the provisions of this section shall be dissolved, and if it be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the state, a finding by a court of competent jurisdiction that it has violated the provisions of this section shall constitute legal cause for forfeiture of its charter and its charter shall be forfeited, and all funds, books, records, and files of every kind and all other property of any organization found to have violated the provisions of this section shall be seized by and for the state, the funds to be deposited in the State Treasury, and the books, records, files, and other property to be turned over to the Attorney General of Florida.
History.—s. 5, ch. 28221, 1953.
876.27 Enforcement of ss. 876.22-876.31.—The Department of Legal Affairs, all state attorneys, the Department of State, and all law enforcement officers of this state shall each be charged with the duty of enforcing the provisions of ss. 876.22-876.31.
History.—s. 6, ch. 28221, 1953; ss. 10, 11, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 34, ch. 73-334.
876.28 Grand jury to investigate violations of ss. 876.22-876.31.—The judge of any court exercising general criminal jurisdiction when in his or her discretion it appears appropriate, or when informed by the Department of Legal Affairs that there is information or evidence of the character described in s. 876.27 to be considered by the grand jury, shall charge the grand jury to inquire into violations of ss. 876.22-876.31 for the purpose of proper action, and further to inquire generally into the purposes, processes, activities, and any other matters affecting communism or any related or other subversive organizations, associations, groups, or persons.
History.—s. 7, ch. 28221, 1953; ss. 11, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1417, ch. 97-102.
876.29 Subversive person prohibited from holding office or employment.—No subversive person, as defined in s. 876.22, shall, after conviction, be eligible for employment in, or appointment to, any office or any position of trust or profit in the government of, or in the administration of the business of this state, or of any county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state.
History.—s. 8, ch. 28221, 1953.
876.30 Subversive person not to be candidate for election.—No person shall become a candidate nor shall be certified by any political party as a candidate for election to any public office created by the constitution or laws of this state if she or he has ever been tried and convicted as a subversive person as defined in s. 876.22.
History.—s. 9, ch. 28221, 1953; s. 1418, ch. 97-102.
876.31 Short title; ss. 876.22-876.30.—Sections 876.22-876.30 may be cited as the “Subversive Activities Law.”
History.—s. 10, ch. 28221, 1953.
876.32 Treason.—Treason against the state shall consist only in levying war against the same, or in adhering to the enemies thereof, or giving them aid and comfort. Whoever commits treason against this state shall be guilty of a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
History.—ss. 1, 2, ch. 1637, 1868; RS 2372; GS 3197; RGS 5027; CGL 7129; s. 702, ch. 71-136; s. 65, ch. 74-383.
Note.—Former s. 779.01.
876.33 Misprision of treason.—Whoever having knowledge of the commission of treason conceals the same and does not, as soon as may be, disclose and make known such treason to the Governor or one of the justices of the Supreme Court or a judge of the circuit court, shall be judged guilty of the offense of misprision of treason, a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
History.—s. 2, sub-ch. 2, ch. 1637, 1868; RS 2373; GS 3198; RGS 5028; CGL 7130; s. 703, ch. 71-136; s. 65, ch. 74-383.
Note.—Former s. 779.02.
876.34 Combination to usurp government.—If two or more persons shall combine by force to usurp the government of this state, or to overturn the same, or interfere forcibly in the administration of the government or any department thereof, the person so offending shall be guilty of a felony of the second degree and punished as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
History.—s. 5, ch. 1637, 1868; RS 2374; GS 3199; RGS 5029; CGL 7131; s. 704, ch. 71-136; s. 65, ch. 74-383.
Note.—Former s. 779.03.
876.35 Combination against part of the people of the state.—If two or more persons shall combine to levy war against any part of the people of this state, or to remove them forcibly out of this state, or to remove them from their habitations to any other part of the state by force, or shall assemble for that purpose, every person so offending shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
History.—s. 6, ch. 1637, 1868; RS 2375; GS 3200; RGS 5030; CGL 7132; s. 705, ch. 71-136; s. 65, ch. 74-383.
Note.—Former s. 779.04.
876.36 Inciting insurrection.—If any person shall incite an insurrection or sedition amongst any portion or class of the population of this state, or shall attempt by writing, speaking, or by any other means to incite such insurrection or sedition, the person so offending shall be guilty of a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
History.—s. 3, ch. 1466, 1866; RS 2376; GS 3201; RGS 5031; CGL 7133; s. 706, ch. 71-136; s. 65, ch. 74-383.
Note.—Former s. 779.05.
876.37 Sabotage prevention law; definitions.—As used in ss. 876.37-876.50:
(1) “Highway” includes any private or public street, way, or other place used for travel to or from property.
(2) “Highway commissioners” means any individual, board, or other body having authority under then-existing law to discontinue the use of the highway which it is desired to restrict or close to public use and travel.
(3) “Public utility” includes any pipeline, gas, electric, heat, water, oil, sewer, telephone, telegraph, radio, railway, railroad, airplane, transportation, communication, or other system, by whomsoever owned or operated for public use.
History.—s. 1, ch. 20252, 1941; s. 65, ch. 74-383; s. 246, ch. 77-104.
Note.—Former s. 779.06.
876.38 Intentional injury to or interference with property.—Whoever intentionally destroys, impairs, or injures, or interferes or tampers with, real or personal property and such act hinders, delays, or interferes with the preparation of the United States, any country with which the United States shall then maintain friendly relations, or any of the states for defense or for war, or with the prosecution of war by the United States, is guilty of a life felony, punishable as provided in s. 775.082.
History.—s. 2, ch. 20252, 1941; s. 707, ch. 71-136; s. 4, ch. 72-724; s. 65, ch. 74-383.
Note.—Former s. 779.07.
876.39 Intentionally defective workmanship.—Whoever intentionally makes or causes to be made or omits to note on inspection any defect in any article or thing with reasonable grounds to believe that such article or thing is intended to be used in connection with the preparation of the United States or of any country with which the United States shall then maintain friendly relations, or any of the states for defense or for war, or for the prosecution of war by the United States, or that such article or thing is one of a number of similar articles or things, some of which are intended so to be used, shall be guilty of a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084; provided, if such person so acts or so fails to act with the intent to hinder, delay or interfere with the preparation of the United States or of any country with which the United States shall then maintain friendly relations, or of any of the states for defense or for war, or with the prosecution of war by the United States, the minimum punishment shall be imprisonment in the state prison for not less than 1 year.
History.—s. 3, ch. 20252, 1941; s. 708, ch. 71-136; s. 65, ch. 74-383.
Note.—Former s. 779.08.
876.40 Attempts.—Whoever attempts to commit any of the crimes defined by this law shall be liable to one-half the punishment by imprisonment, or by fine, or both, as prescribed in s. 876.39 hereof. In addition to the acts which constitute an attempt to commit a crime under the law of this state, the solicitation or incitement of another to commit any of the crimes defined by this law not followed by the commission of the crime, the collection or assemblage of any materials with the intent that the same are to be used then or at a later time in the commission of such crime, or the entry, with or without permission, of a building, enclosure, or other premises of another with the intent to commit any such crime therein or thereon shall constitute an attempt to commit such crime.
History.—s. 4, ch. 20252, 1941; s. 65, ch. 74-383; s. 246, ch. 77-104.
Note.—Former s. 779.09.
876.41 Conspirators.—If two or more persons conspire to commit any crime defined by this law, each of such persons is guilty of conspiracy and subject to the same punishment as if he or she had committed the crime which he or she conspired to commit, whether or not any act be done in furtherance of the conspiracy. It shall not constitute any defense or ground of suspension of judgment, sentence or punishment on behalf of any person prosecuted under this section, that any of his or her fellow conspirators has been acquitted, has not been arrested or convicted, is not amenable to justice or has been pardoned or otherwise discharged before or after conviction.
History.—s. 5, ch. 20252, 1941; s. 65, ch. 74-383; s. 1419, ch. 97-102.
Note.—Former s. 779.10.
876.42 Witnesses’ privileges.—No person shall be excused from attending and testifying, or producing any books, papers, or other documents before any court, referee, or grand jury upon any investigation, proceeding, or trial, for or relating to or concerned with a violation of any section of this law or attempt to commit such violation, upon the ground or for the reason that the testimony or evidence, documentary or otherwise, required by the state may tend to convict the person of a crime or to subject him or her to a penalty or forfeiture; but no person shall be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which the person may so testify or produce evidence, documentary or otherwise, and no testimony so given or produced shall be received against the person, upon any criminal investigation, proceeding, or trial, except upon a prosecution for perjury or contempt of court, based upon the giving or producing of such testimony.
History.—s. 6, ch. 20252, 1941; s. 65, ch. 74-383; s. 1420, ch. 97-102; s. 16, ch. 2004-11.
Note.—Former s. 779.11.
876.43 Unlawful entry on property.—Any individual, partnership, association, corporation, municipal corporation or state or any political subdivision thereof engaged in, or preparing to engage in, the manufacture, transportation or storage of any product to be used in the preparation of the United States, or of any country with which the United States shall then maintain friendly relations, or of any of the states for defense or for war or in the prosecution of war by the United States, or the manufacture, transportation, distribution or storage of gas, oil, coal, electricity or water, or any of said natural or artificial persons operating any public utility, whose property, except where it fronts on water or where there are entrances for railway cars, vehicles, persons or things, is surrounded by a fence or wall, or a fence or wall and buildings, may post around her or his or its property at each gate, entrance, dock or railway entrance and every 100 feet of waterfront a sign reading “No Entry Without Permission.” Whoever without permission of such owner shall willfully enter upon premises so posted shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 7, ch. 20252, 1941; s. 709, ch. 71-136; s. 65, ch. 74-383; s. 1421, ch. 97-102.
Note.—Former s. 779.12.
876.44 Questioning and detaining suspected persons.—Any peace officer or any other person employed as a person who watches or guards or in a supervisory capacity on premises posted as provided in s. 876.43 may stop any person found on any premises to which entry without permission is forbidden by s. 876.43 and may detain the person for the purpose of demanding, and may demand, of the person, his or her name, address and business in such place. If said peace officer or employee has reason to believe from the answers of the person so interrogated that such person has no right to be in such place, said peace officer shall forthwith release such person or he or she may arrest such person without a warrant on the charge of violating the provisions of s. 876.43; and said employee shall forthwith release such person or turn him or her over to a peace officer, who may arrest the person without a warrant on the charge of violating the provisions of s. 876.43.
History.—s. 8, ch. 20252, 1941; s. 65, ch. 74-383; s. 246, ch. 77-104; s. 1422, ch. 97-102.
Note.—Former s. 779.13.
876.45 Closing and restricting use of highway.—
(1) Any individual, partnership, association, corporation, municipal corporation or state or any political subdivision thereof engaged in or preparing to engage in the manufacture, transportation or storage of any product to be used in the preparation of the United States, or of any country with which the United States shall then maintain friendly relations or any of the states for defense or for war or in the prosecution of war by the United States, or in the manufacture, transportation, distribution or storage of gas, oil, coal, electricity or water, or any of said natural or artificial persons operating any public utility, who has property so used which he or she or it believes will be endangered if public use and travel is not restricted or prohibited on one or more highways or parts thereof upon which such property abuts, may petition the highway commissioners of any city, town or county to close one or more of said highways or parts thereof to public use and travel or to restrict by order the use and travel upon one or more of said highways or parts thereof.
(2) Upon receipt of such petition, the highway commissioners shall set a day for hearing and give notice thereof by publication in a newspaper having general circulation in the city, town or county in which such property is located, such notice to be at least 7 days prior to the date set for hearing. If after hearing the highway commissioners determine that the public safety and the safety of the property of the petitioner so require, they shall by suitable order close to public use and travel or reasonably restrict the use of and travel upon one or more of said highways or parts thereof; provided, the highway commissioners may issue written permits to travel over the highways so closed or restricted to responsible and reputable persons for such term, under such conditions and in such form as said commissioners may prescribe. Appropriate notices in letters at least 3 inches high shall be posted conspicuously at each end of any highway so closed or restricted by such order. The highway commissioners may at any time revoke or modify any order so made.
History.—s. 9, ch. 20252, 1941; s. 65, ch. 74-383; s. 1423, ch. 97-102.
Note.—Former s. 779.14.
876.46 Penalty for going upon closed or restricted highway.—Whoever violates any order made under s. 876.45 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 10, ch. 20252, 1941; s. 710, ch. 71-136; s. 65, ch. 74-383; s. 246, ch. 77-104.
Note.—Former s. 779.15.
876.47 Rights of labor.—Nothing in this law shall be construed to impair, curtail, or destroy the rights of employees and their representatives to self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, and to engage in concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection.
History.—s. 11, ch. 20252, 1941; s. 65, ch. 74-383.
Note.—Former s. 779.16.
876.48 Relation to other statutes.—All laws and parts of laws inconsistent with ss. 876.37-876.51 are hereby suspended in their application to any proceedings under said sections. If conduct prohibited by said sections is also made unlawful by another or other laws, the offender may be convicted for the violation of said sections or of any other law or laws.
History.—s. 14, ch. 20252, 1941; s. 65, ch. 74-383; s. 246, ch. 77-104.
Note.—Former s. 779.17.
876.49 Construction.—Sections 876.37-876.51 shall be construed to the end that the greatest force and effect may be given to its provisions for the promotion of national and state safety.
History.—s. 15, ch. 20252, 1941; s. 65, ch. 74-383; s. 246, ch. 77-104.
Note.—Former s. 779.18.
876.50 Effective period of law.—All orders made under the provision of ss. 876.37-876.51 shall be in full force whenever the United States is at war; provided, any violation of said sections, committed while they are in force, may be prosecuted and punished thereafter, whether or not said sections are in force at the time of such prosecution and punishment.
History.—s. 16, ch. 20252, 1941; s. 65, ch. 74-383; s. 183, ch. 79-164.
Note.—Former s. 779.19.
876.51 Short title.—Sections 876.37-876.51 may be cited as the “Florida Sabotage Prevention Law.”
History.—s. 13, ch. 20252, 1941; s. 65, ch. 74-383; s. 246, ch. 77-104.
Note.—Former s. 779.20.
876.52 Public mutilation of flag.—Whoever publicly mutilates, defaces, or tramples upon or burns with intent to insult any flag, standard, colors, or ensign of the United States or of Florida shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 1, ch. 67-2200; s. 711, ch. 71-136; s. 65, ch. 74-383.
Note.—Former s. 779.21.