Title: In Re: Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases
Citation: N/A
Docket Number: SC15-368
State: Florida
Issuer: Florida Supreme Court
Date: September 24, 2015

Supreme Court of Florida 
 
 
____________ 
 
No. SC15-368 
____________ 
 
 
IN RE:  STANDARD JURY INSTRUCTIONS IN CRIMINAL CASES—
REPORT NO. 2015-01. 
 
[September 24, 2015] 
 
PER CURIAM. 
The Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal 
Cases (Committee) has submitted a report proposing amendments to ten existing 
standard criminal jury instructions and the addition of one new instruction.  We 
have jurisdiction.  See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const. 
The Committee proposes amending existing instructions 20.3 – Welfare 
Fraud – Failure to Disclose a Material Fact; 20.4 – Welfare Fraud – Aiding or 
Abetting; 20.5 – Welfare Fraud – Change in Circumstances; 20.6 – Welfare 
Fraud – [Food Assistance Identification Card] [Authorization] [Certificate of 
Eligibility for Medical Services] [Medicaid Identification Card]; 20.7 – Welfare 
Fraud – Administrator Misappropriating; 20.8 – Welfare Fraud – Administrator 
Failure to Disclose; 20.9 – Welfare Fraud – Receiving Unauthorized Payments; 
 
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20.10 – Welfare Fraud – Filing Without Crediting; 20.11 – Welfare Fraud – Billing 
in Excess; and 20.12 – Welfare Fraud – Filing for Services Not Rendered.1  The 
Committee also proposes adding new instruction 22.16 – [Setting up] [Promoting] 
[Playing at] a Game of Chance for Money, Thing of Value, or Under the Pretext of 
a Sale, Gift, or Delivery. 
Before filing its report with the Court, the Committee published its proposals 
for comment.  Two comments were received by the Committee.  Both comments 
asserted that language in instructions 20.3-20.10 and instruction 20.12 stating that 
repayment of public assistance wrongfully obtained is not a defense under section 
414.39(7), Florida Statutes (2014), may mislead jurors into believing that 
repayment is not relevant to any issue presented at trial, particularly the issue of 
whether the defendant acted with the requisite intent.  The commenters suggested 
adding language to instructions 20.3-20.10 and instruction 20.12 to clarify that a 
jury may consider repayment in determining whether a defendant acted knowingly 
or by mistake or accident.  The Committee disagreed and declined to amend the 
instructions as suggested by the commenters. 
                                          
 
 
1.  The Committee’s report initially included proposals to add new 
instructions 1.5 and 11.6(a), and to amend existing instructions 7.8, 7.8(a), and 
11.1-11.6.  Those instructions were severed from the instant case and are being 
considered by the Court in In re: Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases—
Instructions 1.5, 7.8, 7.8(a), and 11.1-11.6(a), Case No. SC15-470. 
 
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Having considered the Committee’s report and the comments received by 
the Committee, we authorize for publication and use amended instructions 20.3-
20.12 and new instruction 22.16 as proposed by the Committee.  We note, 
however, that a special instruction may be warranted in cases in which repayment 
of public assistance wrongfully obtained is relevant to the issue of whether the 
defendant acted with the requisite intent.  
The instructions, as set forth in the appendix to this opinion, are authorized 
for publication and use.2  In authorizing the publication and use of these 
instructions, we express no opinion on their correctness and remind all interested 
parties that this authorization forecloses neither requesting additional or alternative 
instructions nor contesting the legal correctness of the instructions.  We further 
caution all interested parties that any comments associated with the instructions 
reflect only the opinion of the Committee and are not necessarily indicative of the 
views of this Court as to their correctness or applicability.  New language is 
indicated by underlining and deleted language is indicated by struck-through type.  
                                          
 
 
2.  The amendments as reflected in the appendix are to the Criminal Jury 
Instructions as they appear on the Court’s website at www.floridasupremecourt.org 
/jury_instructions/instructions.shtml.  We recognize that there may be minor 
discrepancies between the instructions as they appear on the website and the 
published versions of the instructions.  Any discrepancies as to instructions 
authorized for publication and use after October 25, 2007, should be resolved by 
reference to the published opinion of this Court authorizing the instruction. 
 
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The instructions as set forth in the appendix shall be effective when this opinion 
becomes final.  
It is so ordered. 
LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON, 
and PERRY, JJ., concur. 
 
NOT FINAL UNTIL TIME EXPIRES TO FILE REHEARING MOTION, AND 
IF FILED, DETERMINED.   
 
Original Proceeding – Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in 
Criminal Cases  
 
Judge Jerri Lynn Collins, Chair, Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury 
Instructions in Criminal Cases, Sanford, Florida; and Bart Neil Schneider, Staff 
Liaison, Office of the State Courts Administrator, Tallahassee, Florida, 
 
for Petitioner 
 
 
 
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Appendix 
 
20.3 WELFARE FRAUD — FAILURE TO DISCLOSE 
A MATERIAL FACT 
§ 414.39(1)(a), Fla._Stat. 
 
 
To prove the crime of Welfare Fraud — Failure to Disclose a Material 
Fact, the State must prove the following three 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) 
qualifications to receive aid or benefits public assistance from any 
state or federally funded public assistance program. 
 
3. The aid or benefits came from a state or federally funded assistance 
    program. 
 
§ 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.  
 
§ 414.39(5)(e), Fla. Stat. 
 
The value of a food assistance authorization benefit is the cash or 
exchange value unlawfully obtained by the fraudulent act. 
 
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Definitions. Give as applicable. 
 
“Fraudulent” means the intent or purpose of suppressing the truth or 
perpetrating a deception. 
 
§ 414.39(5)(f), Fla. Stat. 
“Fraud” includes the introduction of fraudulent records into a 
computer system, the unauthorized use of computer facilities, the intentional 
or deliberate alteration or destruction of computerized information or files, 
and the stealing of financial instruments, data, and other assets. 
 
 
“Aid or abet” means help, assist, or facilitate. 
 
 
An "attempt" to commit a crime is the formation of an intent to commit 
that crime and the doing of some act toward the commission of the crime 
other than mere preparation to commit the crime. 
 
 
“Knowingly” means with actual knowledge and understanding of the 
facts or the truth. 
 
 
Optional Definition 
 
“Knowingly” means an act done voluntarily and intentionally and not 
because of mistake or accident or other innocent reason. (Devitt & Blackmar 
— Federal Jury Practice and Instructions, Sec. 16.07) 
 
 
 
Defense. Give if applicable. § 414.39(7), Fla. Stat. 
 
It is not a defense that the defendant repaid the assistance or services 
obtained. 
 
           Inferences. Give as applicable. 
Optional (if appropriate) Proof § 414.39(8)(a), Fla. Stat. 
 
A paid warrant made to the order of the defendant is sufficient to 
establish that the defendant received assistance, though this fact may be 
disproved by competent evidence. 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 
 
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Identification Number (PIN) established a purchase or withdrawal by 
electronic benefit transfer.  
 
Lesser Included Offenses 
 
 
No lesser included offenses have been identified for this offense. 
 
Comment 
 
 
This instruction was adopted in 1981 and amended in 2015. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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20.4 WELFARE FRAUD — AIDING OR ABETTING 
§ 414.39(1)(c), Fla._Stat. 
 
 
To prove the crime of Welfare Fraud — Aiding or Abetting, the State 
must prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 
 
           Give 1a and/or 1b as applicable. 
1. 
(Defendant) knowingly aided or abetted another person in failing 
to disclose: 
 
 
Give a or b as applicable. 
a. [a change in circumstances in order to obtain or continue to 
receive aid or benefits state or federally funded public assistance 
to which [he] [she] is [the other person was not entitled] [or in an 
amount larger than the other person was entitled].] 
 
b. [a material fact, by false statement, misrepresentation, 
impersonation, or other fraudulent means, and the fact was [used] 
[to be used] to determine the person’s qualifications to receive aid 
or benefits state or federally funded public assistance]. 
 
2. 
The other person received benefits to which [he] [she] was not 
entitled. 
 
3. 
The aid or benefits came from a state or federally funded 
assistance program. 
 
 § 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. 
 
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d. 
$100,000 or more in any 12 consecutive months.  
 
§ 414.39(5)(e), Fla. Stat. 
 
The value of a food assistance authorization benefit is the cash or 
exchange value unlawfully obtained by the fraudulent act. 
 
 
Definitions. Give as applicable. 
 
“Fraudulent” means the intent or purpose of suppressing the truth or 
perpetrating a deception. 
 
§ 414.39(5)(f), Fla. Stat. 
 
“Fraud” includes the introduction of fraudulent records into a 
computer system, the unauthorized use of computer facilities, the intentional 
or deliberate alteration or destruction of computerized information or files, 
and the stealing of financial instruments, data, and other assets. 
 
 
“Aid or abet” means help, assist, or facilitate. 
 
 
An "attempt" to commit a crime is the formation of an intent to commit 
that crime and the doing of some act toward the commission of the crime 
other than mere preparation to commit the crime. 
 
 
“Knowingly” means with actual knowledge and understanding of the 
facts or the truth. 
 
 
Optional Definition 
 
“Knowingly” means an act done voluntarily and intentionally and not 
because of mistake or accident or other innocent reason. (Devitt & Blackmar 
— Federal Jury Practice and Instructions, Sec. 16.07) 
 
Defense. Give if applicable. § 414.39(7), Fla. Stat. 
 
It is not a defense that the defendant repaid the assistance or services 
obtained. 
         
 
 Inferences. Give as applicable. 
Optional (if appropriate) Proof § 414.39(8)(a), Fla. Stat. 
 
A paid warrant made to the order of the defendant is sufficient to 
establish that the defendant received assistance, though this fact may be 
disproved by competent evidence. You may conclude that (defendant) did 
 
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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 
 
 
No lesser included offenses have been identified for this offense. 
 
Comment 
 
 
This instruction was adopted in 1981 and amended in 2015. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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20.5 WELFARE FRAUD — CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES 
§ 414.39(1)(b), Fla._Stat. 
 
 
To prove the crime of Welfare Fraud — Change in Circumstances, the 
State must prove the following two elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 
 
1. 
(Defendant) knowingly failed to disclose a change in circumstances 
in order to obtain or continue to receive aid or benefits state or 
federally funded public assistance to which [he] [she] was not 
entitled [or in an amount larger than [he] [she] was entitled]. 
 
2. 
The aid or benefits came from a state or federally funded 
assistance program. 
 
§ 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.  
 
§ 414.39(5)(e), Fla. Stat. 
 
The value of a food assistance authorization benefit is the cash or 
exchange value unlawfully obtained by the fraudulent act. 
 
 
Definition. 
 
"Fraudulent" means the intent or purpose of suppressing the truth or 
perpetrating a deception. 
 
 
"Aid or abet" means help, assist, or facilitate. 
 
 
- 12 - 
 
An "attempt" to commit a crime is the formation of an intent to commit 
that crime and the doing of some act toward the commission of the crime 
other than mere preparation to commit the crime. 
 
 
“Knowingly” means with actual knowledge and understanding of the 
facts or the truth. 
 
 
Optional Definition 
 
“Knowingly” means an act done voluntarily and intentionally and not 
because of mistake or accident or other innocent reason. (Devitt & Blackmar 
Federal Jury Practice and Instructions, Sec. 16.07) 
 
Defense. Give if applicable. § 414.39(7), Fla. Stat. 
 
It is not a defense that the defendant repaid the assistance or services 
obtained. 
 
           Inferences. Give as applicable. 
Optional (if appropriate) Proof § 414.39(8)(a), Fla. Stat. 
 
A paid warrant made to the order of the defendant is sufficient to 
establish that the defendant received assistance, though this fact may be 
disproved by competent evidence. 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 
 
 
No lesser included offenses have been identified for this offense. 
 
Comment 
 
 
This instruction was adopted in 1981 and amended in 2015. 
 
 
 
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20.6 WELFARE FRAUD — FOOD STAMPS, MEDICAL SERVICES 
[FOOD ASSISTANCE IDENTIFICATION CARD] [AUTHORIZATION] 
[CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY FOR MEDICAL SERVICES] 
[MEDICAID IDENTIFICATION CARD] 
§ 414.39(2), Fla._Stat. 
 
 
To prove the crime of Welfare Fraud — Food Stamps, Medical Services 
[Food Assistance Identification Card] [Authorization] [Certificate of 
Eligibility for Medical Services] [Medicaid Identification Card], the State 
must prove the following two elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 
 
           Give 1a, 1b, and/or 1c as applicable. 
1. 
The defendant knowingly: 
 
 
Give a, b, or c as applicable. 
a. [used, transferred, acquired, trafficked, altered, forged or 
possessed] 
 
b. [attempted to use, transfer, acquire, traffic, alter, forcge, or 
possess] 
 
c. [aided and abetted another person to in the use, transfer, acquire 
acquisition, traffic, alteration, forgery or possession of]  
 
A [a food stamp, assistance identification card], [an authorization for 
the expenditure of food stamps assistance benefits], [a certificate of 
eligibility for medical services], or [a Medicaid identification card]. 
 
2. 
The use, transfer, acquisition, traffic, alteration, forgery, or 
possession was not authorized by law. 
 
The law requires (insert the appropriate law pertaining to the relevant 
item).  
 
§ 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 or identification wrongfully [received] [retained] 
[misappropriated] [sought] [used] was: 
 
 
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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.  
 
§ 414.39(5)(e), Fla. Stat. 
 
The value of a food assistance authorization benefit is the cash or 
exchange value unlawfully obtained by the fraudulent act. 
 
 
Definitions. Give as applicable. 
 
“Aid or abet” means help, assist, or facilitate. 
 
 
“Traffic” means trade, sell, or exchange. 
 
 
An “attempt” to commit a crime is the formation of an intent to commit 
that crime and the doing of some act toward the commission of the crime 
other than mere preparation to commit the crime. 
 
 
“Knowingly” means with actual knowledge and understanding of the 
facts or the truth. 
 
 
Optional Definition 
 
“Knowingly” means an act done voluntarily and intentionally and not 
because of mistake or accident or other innocent reason. (Devitt & Blackmar – 
Federal Jury Practice and Instructions, Sec. 16.07) 
 
 Defense. Give if applicable. § 414.39(7), Fla. Stat. 
 
It is not a defense that the defendant repaid the assistance or services 
obtained [or returned the authorization or identification wrongfully 
obtained]. 
 
           Inferences. Give as applicable. 
Optional (if appropriate) Proof § 414.39(8)(a), Fla. Stat. 
 
A paid warrant made to the order of the defendant is sufficient to 
establish that the defendant received assistance, though this fact may be 
 
- 15 - 
disproved by competent evidence. 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 
 
 
No lesser included offenses have been identified for this offense. 
 
Comment 
 
 
This instruction was adopted in 1981 and amended in 2015. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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20.7 WELFARE FRAUD — ADMINISTRATOR AIDING 
MISAPPROPRIATING 
§§ 414.39(3)(a) and (3)(b), Fla._Stat. 
 
 
To prove the crime of Welfare Fraud — Administrator Aiding 
Misappropriating, the State must prove the following [two] [three] elements 
beyond a reasonable doubt: 
  
           § 414.39(3)(a), Fla. Stat. 
1. 
(Defendant) had duties [in the administration of a state or 
federally funded assistance program] [in the distribution of state 
or federally funded public assistance] [or] [in the authorizations 
or identifications of those to obtain public assistance under a 
state or federally funded public assistance program]. 
          
2. 
[He] [She] (Defendant), by virtue of [his] [her] position, [had been 
entrusted with] [gained possession of], by virtue of his position, of 
funds, a food stamp, [food assistance] [an authorization for food 
assistance]stamps, a food stamp identification card, [a certificate 
of eligibility for prescribed medicine], [a Medicaid identification 
card], [or] [public assistance from any other state or federally 
funded program]. 
 
3. 
[He] [She] (Defendant) [fraudulently misappropriated], 
[attempted to misappropriate] [or] [aided and abetted another in 
the misappropriation of] funds, a food stamp, [food assistance] 
[an authorization for food assistance]stamps, a food stamp 
identification card, [a certificate of eligibility for prescribed 
medicine], [a Medicaid identification card], [or] [public 
assistance from any other state or federally funded program]. 
 
§ 414.39(3)(b), Fla. Stat.  
1.       (Defendant) had duties [in the administration of a state or 
federally funded assistance program] [in the distribution of state 
or federally funded public assistance] [or] [in the authorizations 
or identifications of those to obtain public assistance under a state 
or federally funded public assistance program]. 
 
2. (Defendant) knowingly [misappropriated] [attempted to 
          misappropriate] [aided or abetted another in the 
 
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misappropriation of] [funds given in exchange for food 
assistance program benefits] [any form of food assistance  
benefits authorization].  
 
§ 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 or identification 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.  
 
§ 414.39(5)(e), Fla. Stat. 
 
The value of a food assistance authorization benefit is the cash or 
exchange value unlawfully obtained by the fraudulent act. 
 
 
Definitions. Give as applicable.  
 
“Fraudulently” means purposely or intentionally suppressing the truth 
and/or perpetrating a deception. 
 
§ 414.39(5)(f), Fla. Stat. 
 
“Fraud” includes the introduction of fraudulent records into a 
computer system, the unauthorized use of computer facilities, the intentional 
or deliberate alteration or destruction of computerized information or files, 
and the stealing of financial instruments, data, and other assets. 
 
 
An “attempt” to commit a crime is the formation of an intent to commit 
that crime and the doing of some act toward the commission of the crime 
other than mere preparation to commit the crime. 
 
 
“Aid or abet” means help, assist or facilitate. 
 
 
 
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“Knowingly” means with actual knowledge and understanding of the 
facts or the truth. 
 
 
Optional Definition 
 
“Knowingly” means an act done voluntarily and intentionally and not 
because of mistake or accident or other innocent reason. (Devitt & Blackmar 
Federal Jury Practice and Instructions, Sec. 16.07) 
 
Defense. Give if applicable. § 414.39(7), Fla. Stat. 
 
It is not a defense that the defendant repaid the assistance or services 
obtained [or returned the authorization or identification wrongfully 
obtained]. 
 
           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 
 
 
No lesser included offenses have been identified for this offense. 
 
Comment 
 
 
This instruction was adopted in 1981 and amended in 2015.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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20.8 WELFARE FRAUD — ADMINISTRATOR FAILURE 
TO DISCLOSE 
§ 414.39(3)(a), Fla._Stat. 
 
 
To prove the crime of Welfare Fraud — Administrator Failure to 
Disclose, the State must prove the following three elements beyond a 
reasonable doubt: 
 
1. 
(Defendant) had duties [in the administration of a state or 
federally funded assistance program] [in the distribution of state 
or federally funded public assistance] [or] [in the authorizations 
or identifications of those to obtain public assistance under a state 
or federally funded public assistance program]. 
 
2. 
[He] [She] (Defendant) knew that someone had misappropriated, 
attempted to misappropriate, or aided or abetted another in the 
misappropriation of [food assistance], [an authorization for food 
assistance],  or [an food assistance identification card] for 
assistance, [a certificate of eligibility for prescribed medicine] [a 
Medicaid identification card] [public assistance from any state or 
federally funded program]. 
 
3. 
[He] [She] (Defendant) failed to disclose this fraudulent activity. 
 
§ 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 or identification 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.  
 
 
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§ 414.39(5)(e), Fla. Stat. 
 
The value of a food assistance authorization benefit is the cash or 
exchange value unlawfully obtained by the fraudulent act. 
 
 
Definitions. Give as applicable.  
 
“Fraudulently” means purposely or intentionally suppressing the truth 
and/or perpetrating a deception. 
 
§ 414.39(5)(f), Fla. Stat. 
 
“Fraud” includes the introduction of fraudulent records into a 
computer system, the unauthorized use of computer facilities, the intentional 
or deliberate alteration or destruction of computerized information or files, 
and the stealing of financial instruments, data, and other assets. 
 
 
“Aid or abet” means help, assist or facilitate. 
 
 
 
An “attempt” to commit a crime is the formation of an intent to commit 
that crime and the doing of some act toward the commission of the crime 
other than mere preparation to commit the crime. 
 
Defense. Give if applicable. § 414.39(7), Fla. Stat. 
 
It is not a defense that the defendant repaid the assistance or services 
obtained [or returned the authorization or identification wrongfully 
obtained]. 
   
           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 
 
 
No lesser included offenses have been identified for this offense. 
 
- 21 - 
 
Comment 
 
 
This instruction was adopted in 1981 and amended in 2015. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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20.9 WELFARE FRAUD — RECEIVING 
UNAUTHORIZED PAYMENTS 
§ 414.39(4)(c), Fla._Stat. 
 
 
To prove the crime of Welfare Fraud — Receiving Unauthorized 
Payments, the State must prove the following element beyond a reasonable 
doubt: 
 
 
(Defendant) knowingly received, attempted to receive, or aided and 
abetted in the receipt of unauthorized payments for services to a recipient of 
benefits or other unauthorized public assistance or authorization or 
identification to obtain public assistance under a any state or federally funded 
assistance program. 
 
§ 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 or identification 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.  
 
§ 414.39(5)(e), Fla. Stat. 
 
The value of a food assistance authorization benefit is the cash or 
exchange value unlawfully obtained by the fraudulent act. 
 
 
Definitions. Give as applicable. 
 
“Aid or abet” means help, assist, or facilitate. 
 
 
 
An “attempt” to commit a crime is the formation of an intent to commit 
that crime and the doing of some act toward the commission of the crime 
other than mere preparation to commit the crime. 
 
- 23 - 
 
“Knowingly” means with actual knowledge and understanding of the 
facts or the truth. 
 
 
Optional Definition 
 
“Knowingly” means an act done voluntarily and intentionally and not 
because of mistake or accident or other innocent reason. (Devitt & Blackmar 
— Federal Jury Practice and Instructions, Sec. 16.07) 
 
Give if applicable. § 414.39(7), Fla. Stat. 
 
It is not a defense that the defendant repaid the assistance or services 
obtained [or returned the authorization or identification wrongfully 
obtained]. 
 
           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 
 
 
No lesser included offenses have been identified for this offense. 
 
Comment 
 
 
This instruction was adopted in 1981 and amended in 2015. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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20.10 WELFARE FRAUD — FILING WITHOUT CREDITING 
§ 414.39(4)(cb), Fla._Stat. 
 
 
To prove the crime of Welfare Fraud — Filing Without Crediting, the 
State must prove the following element beyond a reasonable doubt: 
 
 
(Defendant) knowingly filed a claim for services to a recipient of benefits 
under a state or federally funded assistance program without crediting the 
state or its agents for payments received from social security, insurance, or 
other sources. 
 
§ 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.  
 
§ 414.39(5)(e), Fla. Stat. 
 
The value of a food assistance authorization benefit is the cash or 
exchange value unlawfully obtained by the fraudulent act. 
 
  
Definitions. Give as applicable. 
 
“Knowingly” means with actual knowledge and understanding of the 
facts or the truth. 
 
 
Optional Definition 
 
“Knowingly” means an act done voluntarily and intentionally and not 
because of mistake or accident or other innocent reason. (Devitt & Blackmar 
— Federal Jury Practice and Instructions, Sec. 16.07) 
  
 
- 25 - 
Repayment not a defense. § 414.39(7), Fla. Stat. 
 
It is not a defense that the defendant repaid the assistance or services 
obtained. 
 
           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 
 
 
No lesser included offenses have been identified for this offense. 
 
Comment 
 
 
This instruction was adopted in 1981 and amended in 2015. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- 26 - 
20.11 WELFARE FRAUD — BILLING IN EXCESS 
§ 414.39(4)(a), Fla._Stat. 
 
 
To prove the crime of Welfare Fraud — Billing in Excess, the State 
must prove the following element beyond a reasonable doubt: 
 
 
(Defendant) knowingly billed the recipient of benefits under a state or 
federally funded assistance program, or [his] [her] family, for an amount in 
excess of that provided for by law or regulation. 
 
§ 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 amount 
wrongfully billed was: 
 
a. 
less than $200 in any 12 consecutive months. 
 
b. 
$200 or more, but less than $20,000 in any 12 consecutive months. 
 
c. 
$20,000 or more, but less than $100,000 in any 12 consecutive 
months. 
 
d. 
$100,000 or more in any 12 consecutive months.  
 
 
Definition. 
 
“Knowingly” means with actual knowledge and understanding of the 
facts or the truth. 
 
 
Optional Definition 
 
“Knowingly” means an act done voluntarily and intentionally and not 
because of mistake or accident or other innocent reason. (Devitt & Blackmar 
— Federal Jury Practice and Instructions, Sec. 16.07) 
 
Give if applicable. § 414.39(7), Fla. Stat. 
 
It is not a defense that the defendant repaid assistance or services 
obtained. 
 
Lesser Included Offenses 
 
 
No lesser included offenses have been identified for this offense. 
 
- 27 - 
 
Comment 
 
 
This instruction was adopted in 1981 and amended in 2015. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- 28 - 
20.12 WELFARE FRAUD — FILING FOR 
SERVICES NOT RENDERED 
§ 414.39(4)(a), Fla._Stat. 
 
 
To prove the crime of Welfare Fraud — Filing for Services not 
Rendered, the State must prove the following two elements beyond a 
reasonable doubt: 
 
1. 
(Defendant) knowingly filed, attempted to file, or aided and 
abetted in filing a claim for services to a recipient of benefits 
under a state or federally funded assistance program. 
 
2. 
The claim was for services which were false, not rendered, or for 
unauthorized items or services. 
 
§ 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.  
 
§ 414.39(5)(e), Fla. Stat. 
 
The value of a food assistance authorization benefit is the cash or 
exchange value unlawfully obtained by the fraudulent act. 
 
 
Definitions. Give as applicable. 
 
“Aid or abet” means help, assist or facilitate. 
 
 
- 29 - 
 
An “attempt” to commit a crime is the formation of an intent to commit 
that crime and the doing of some act toward the commission of the crime 
other than mere preparation to commit the crime. 
 
 
“Knowingly” means with actual knowledge and understanding of the 
facts or the truth. 
 
 
Optional Definition 
 
“Knowingly” means an act done voluntarily and intentionally and not 
because of mistake or accident or other innocent reason. (Devitt & Blackmar 
— Federal Jury Practice and Instructions, Sec. 16.07) 
 
Give if applicable. § 414.39(7), Fla. Stat. 
 
It is not a defense that the defendant repaid the assistance or services 
obtained. 
 
           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 
 
 
No lesser included offenses have been identified for this offense. 
 
 
Comment 
 
 
This instruction was adopted in 1981 and amended in 2015. 
 
 
 
- 30 - 
22.16   [SETTING UP] [PROMOTING] [PLAYING AT] A GAME OF 
CHANCE FOR MONEY, THING OF VALUE, OR UNDER THE PRETEXT 
OF A SALE, GIFT, OR DELIVERY 
§ 849.11, Fla. Stat. 
 
 
To prove the crime of [Setting Up] [Promoting] [Playing at] a Game of 
Chance For Money, Thing of Value, or Under the Pretext of a Sale, Gift or 
Delivery, the State must prove following three elements beyond a reasonable 
doubt: 
 
1. (Defendant) [set up] [promoted] [played at] a game of chance. 
 
2. (Defendant) did so [by lot] [with [dice] [cards] [numbers] [hazards] 
[any gambling device]]. 
 
Give 3a and/or 3b as applicable. 
3. (Defendant) did so: 
       
a.  for the disposal of money or other thing of value; or 
 
b.  [under the pretext of a sale, gift, or delivery] [or] [for any right, 
     share, or interest thereof]. 
 
Lesser Included Offenses 
 
[SETTING UP] [PROMOTING] [PLAYING AT] A GAME OF 
CHANCE FOR MONEY, THING OF VALUE, OR UNDER THE 
PRETEXT OF A SALE, GIFT, OR DELIVERY — 849.11 
CATEGORY ONE 
CATEGORY TWO 
FLA. STAT. 
INS. NO. 
None 
 
 
 
 
Attempt 
777.04 
5.1 
 
 
Comment 
 
This instruction was adopted in 2015.