Fire is one of the greatest dangers, capable of destroying property and lives, which is why fire safety is always a serious matter. All buildings must meet safety standards and have enough fire exits, extinguishers and sprinklers. Of course, buildings also need fire alarms to help warn occupants that a dangerous blaze has broken out and that they need to evacuate.
It might sound like a great prank to pull a fire alarm. But causing a false fire alarm isn’t just a safety hazard but also a criminal offense in Florida.
Alarm without reasonable cause is an offense
Per Florida rules, anyone who causes a false alarm of fire – whether through outcry, the ringing of a bell, or similar other means – can face charges for a misdemeanor of the first degree.
If a court convicts a person for a second or subsequent time for raising a false fire alarm, the offense becomes a felony of the third degree.
Fake alarms can lead to penalties
Should a charge for a first offense of false fire alarm lead to a conviction, the person faces up to a year of imprisonment as punishment.
However, for a second or subsequent conviction, the person instead must deal with up to five years of prison. Regardless of whether it was a person’s first or third conviction, the offense will appear on their criminal record.
Because of how deadly uncontrolled blazes are, fire alarms are treated with the utmost urgency. Causing a false alarm is a deadly prank that can lead to desensitization of the building’s occupants, making them unconcerned about a real fire emergency. Fake alarms are a crime, and anyone charged with raising one should prepare for a criminal court hearing.
