(1) As used in this section, the term “personal protective equipment” means protective clothing or equipment, including, but not limited to, face masks, face shields, gloves, goggles, gowns, helmets, or respirators designed to protect a person from infectious materials, communicable disease, or other illness.
(2) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly and willfully make a materially false or misleading statement or to knowingly and willfully disseminate false or misleading information relating to the characteristics, authenticity, effectiveness, or availability of personal protective equipment in any marketing or advertising material; on a website, social media platform, or other media; or by telephone, text message, mail, or e-mail, with the intent to obtain or receive any money or other valuable consideration.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a person who violates this subsection commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(b) A person who commits a second or subsequent violation of this subsection commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(3) Prosecution for a violation of this section may be brought on behalf of the state by any state attorney or by the statewide prosecutor.
(4) If the Attorney General reasonably believes that a person has committed a violation of this section, the Attorney General may institute a civil action for a violation of this section or to prevent a violation of this section. An action for relief may include a permanent or temporary injunction, a restraining order, or any other appropriate order.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2021-34.