{"id":372619,"date":"2016-04-11T01:21:52","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:21:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/florida-law\/florida-securities-fraud-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-02-27T18:17:50","modified_gmt":"2018-02-27T23:17:50","slug":"florida-securities-fraud-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/florida-law\/florida-securities-fraud-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Florida Securities Fraud Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Florida Securities Fraud Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last reviewed\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Making a profit off of buying and selling stocks takes a level of skill, knowledge, and luck. While every successful day trader possesses a keen eye for the trends of the stock market, many also rely on advice and tips from the people around them. Florida securities fraud<\/a> laws list several acts that are considered fraudulent securities transactions to help ensure that tips involving the stock market are legit. This is a quick summary of the securities fraud laws in Florida.<\/p>\n

Prohibited Acts Under Florida Securities Fraud Laws<\/h2>\n

Florida securities fraud laws protect investors from being bamboozled by brokers, advisors, or friends with fraudulent investing tips. These deceitful acts carry various prison terms as well as hefty fines. Also, these penalties may be enhanced if the violator is considered a repeat offender of these crimes. The following table outlines the specifics of Florida securities fraud laws.<\/p>\n\n
Code Sections<\/b><\/td>\n

Florida Securities and Investor Protection Act, Florida Statutes Chapter 517<\/a>: Securities Transactions<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

What’s Prohibited?<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Under Florida securities fraud laws, it is unlawful for a person<\/a>:<\/p>\n

In connection with the rendering of any investment advice or in connection with the offer, sale, or purchase of any investment or security, directly or indirectly:<\/p>\n

Criminal Penalties<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Any person who violates Florida securities fraud laws is guilty of a felony<\/a> of the third degree. If convicted, this is punishable by imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.<\/p>\n

Any person who violates these laws by obtaining money or property of an aggregate value exceeding $50,000 from five or more persons is guilty of a felony of the first degree. If convicted, this is punishable by imprisonment for up to 30 years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.<\/p>\n

Habitual felony offenders may face enhanced penalties<\/a> and mandatory minimum prison terms. Violators may also face civil penalties<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

Note:<\/i><\/b> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\n

Florida Securities Fraud Laws: Related Resources<\/h2>\n