What was once brushed off as a prank is now being treated like a ticking time bomb. With the passage of HB 279, Florida is drawing a hard line in the sand against people who misuse emergency systems. The message is loud and clear: fake 911 calls can destroy lives — and now, they’ll destroy your record, too.
As Jonathan Perazzo, lead attorney at The Perazzo Law Firm, puts it: “Swatting and false 911 calls are now felonies in Florida. Under HB 279, if someone makes a fake emergency call and someone gets hurt — that’s a third-degree felony. If someone dies as a result? That’s second-degree. It’s part of a bigger push to stop fake threats that drain law enforcement and put lives at risk.”
Let’s dive into what this law means — and why every Florida resident should care.
What Is Swatting?
Swatting is no longer just internet slang — it’s a real-world nightmare. It happens when someone makes a bogus 911 call to report a violent crime in progress, triggering a SWAT-style response. Picture this: your family is eating dinner, and within minutes your house is surrounded by heavily armed officers acting on false intel.
This isn’t a scene from a movie — it’s the terrifying reality for many innocent people. One bad call, one wrong move, and everything can go sideways in the blink of an eye.
HB 279: Turning Up the Heat on Pranksters
Signed into law in 2025, HB 279 brings real firepower to the fight against swatting. If a false emergency call causes someone to get hurt, the caller now faces a third-degree felony — meaning possible prison time and a criminal record that follows them like a shadow.
But if someone dies as a result — even by accident — the crime becomes a second-degree felony. That’s serious time behind bars.
Florida isn’t just wagging its finger anymore. With HB 279, the state is dropping the hammer on anyone who thinks faking an emergency is “just a joke.”
Why Victims Deserve Justice
A swatting incident can flip someone’s life upside down. From broken doors and emotional scars to physical injuries caused during a chaotic response, the aftermath is often worse than the event itself.
We’ve seen clients suffer panic attacks, broken bones, and long-term trauma after a false call turned their home into a war zone.
As a trusted Miami Accident Lawyer, The Perazzo Law Firm stands ready to fight for victims who were caught in the crossfire of someone else’s recklessness. Whether it’s filing a civil lawsuit or demanding compensation for injuries, we believe that justice shouldn’t be another casualty.
HB 279 isn’t just a law — it’s a warning shot. If you’re thinking about making a prank call to 911, think twice. The cost could be someone’s life… and your freedom. If you or someone you know has suffered from a swatting incident, don’t stay silent.
Call The Perazzo Law Firm at 888-PERAZZO — FREE Consultation Available 24/7.
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