20.3 WELFARE FRAUD — FAILURE TO DISCLOSE A MATERIAL FACT
Official jury instruction text reproduced for information. It is not legal advice; the instruction given in a case depends on the facts and the court.
- Instruction
- 20.3
- Statute
- § 414.39(1)(a), Fla. Stat.
- Edition
- Florida Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases, complete set published by The Florida Bar, updated October 9, 2026
- Official source
- The Florida Bar: criminal jury instructions
Elements
Quoted word for word from the official text. Florida Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases, complete set published by The Florida Bar, updated October 9, 2026.
To prove the crime of Welfare Fraud — Failure to Disclose a Material Fact, the State must prove the following two elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
1. (Defendant) knowingly failed to disclose a material fact by false statement, misrepresentation, impersonation, or other fraudulent means.
2. The fact was [used] [to be used] to determine (defendant’s) qualification to receive public assistance from any state or federally funded public assistance program.
Further findings
Special findings, enhancements, inferences and exceptions the instruction gives when they apply, word for word.
§ 414.39(5), Fla. Stat.
If you find (Defendant) guilty of Welfare Fraud, you must also determine if the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt whether the value of the public assistance wrongfully [received] [retained] [misappropriated] [sought] [used] was:
a. less than an aggregate value of $200 in any 12 consecutive months.
b. an aggregate value of $200 or more, but less than $20,000 in any 12 consecutive months.
c. an aggregate value of $20,000 or more, but less than $100,000 in any 12 consecutive months.
d. $100,000 or more in any 12 consecutive months.
Inferences. Give as applicable. § 414.39(8)(a), Fla. Stat.
You may conclude that (defendant) did receive public assistance from the state if you find that there was a paid state warrant made to the order of the defendant.
§ 414.39(8)(b), Fla. Stat.
You may conclude that an identified recipient received public assistance from the state if you find that a transaction history generated by a Personal Identification Number (PIN) established a purchase or withdrawal by electronic benefit transfer.
Lesser-included offenses
As the instruction lists them, word for word.
No lesser included offenses have been identified for this offense.
Related practice page
Public Assistance Fraud Defense in Miami
Official source: The Florida Bar: criminal jury instructions
Official jury instruction text reproduced for information. It is not legal advice; the instruction given in a case depends on the facts and the court.