Title: In Re: Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases
Citation: N/A
Docket Number: SC18-566
State: Florida
Issuer: Florida Supreme Court
Date: September 27, 2018

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Supreme Court of Florida 
 
 
____________ 
 
No. SC18-566 
____________ 
 
 
IN RE:  STANDARD JURY INSTRUCTIONS IN CRIMINAL CASES—
REPORT 2018-03. 
 
September 27, 2018 
 
PER CURIAM. 
 
The Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal 
Cases (Committee) has submitted proposed changes to the standard jury 
instructions and asks that the Court authorize the amended standard instructions.  
We have jurisdiction and authorize the amendments to the instructions for 
publication and use.  See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const. 
The Committee proposes amending the following existing instructions:  
20.13 (Fraudulent Use or Possession with Intent to Fraudulently Use Personal 
Identification Information); 20.14 (Harassment by Use of Personal Identification 
Information); 20.15 (Fraudulent Use of Personal Identification Information of a 
[Minor] [Person Sixty Years of Age or Older]); 20.16 (Fraudulent Use of Personal 
Identification Information of a [Minor] [Person Sixty Years of Age or Older] by a 
 
 
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Parent, Guardian, or Person who Exercised Custodial Authority); 20.17 
(Fraudulent Use or Possession with Intent to Fraudulently Use Personal 
Identification Information Concerning a [Deceased Individual] [Dissolved 
Business Entity]); 20.18 ([Fraudulent Creation of] [Fraudulent Use of] [Possession 
with Intent to Fraudulently Use] Counterfeit Personal Identification Information); 
and 20.21 (Fraudulent Use of Personal Identification Information of a [Disabled 
Adult] [Public Servant] [Veteran] [First Responder] [State Employee] [Federal 
Employee]).  The Committee published the proposals in the January 1, 2018, issue 
of The Florida Bar News.  No comments were received by the Committee 
pertaining to the proposals.  The more significant amendments to the instructions 
are discussed below.  
Criminal jury instructions 20.13 (Fraudulent Use or Possession with Intent 
to Fraudulently Use Personal Identification Information), 20.14 (Harassment by 
Use of Personal Identification Information), 20.17 (Fraudulent Use or Possession 
with Intent to Fraudulently Use Personal Identification Information Concerning a 
[Deceased Individual] [Dissolved Business Entity]), and 20.18 ([Fraudulent 
Creation of] [Fraudulent Use of] [Possession with Intent to Fraudulently Use] 
Counterfeit Personal Identification Information) are amended to include a 
provision explaining the term “possession” that was previously authorized for 
 
 
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criminal jury instructions 16.10 and 25.7 in In re Standard Jury Instructions in 
Criminal Cases—Report 2017-03, 238 So. 3d 182 (Fla. 2018).   
For all of the amended instructions, the Committee created a separate section 
for the reclassification provided in section 817.568(5), Florida Statutes (2017), 
which provides that if a crime under the statute was facilitated or furthered by the 
use of a public record, the crime is reclassified to a higher degree and raised by one 
level on the Criminal Punishment Code scoresheet.  The Committee also included 
a separate section in all of the amended instructions for the reclassification 
provided in section 817.568(10), Florida Statutes (2017), which provides a one-
level increment in the Criminal Punishment Code scoresheet for any person who, 
for the purpose of obtaining or using personal identification information, 
misrepresents himself or herself to be a law enforcement officer; an employee or 
representative of a bank, credit card company, credit counseling company, or credit 
reporting agency; or any person who wrongfully represents that he or she is 
seeking to assist the victim with a problem with the victim’s credit history.  
Having considered the Committee’s report, the amended criminal jury 
instructions, as set forth in the appendix to this opinion, are hereby authorized for 
publication and use.1  New language is indicated by underlining; deleted language 
                                          
 
 
1.  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 
 
 
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is indicated by struck-through type.  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.  The instructions as set 
forth in the appendix shall be effective when this opinion becomes final. 
 
It is so ordered. 
CANADY, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, POLSTON, LABARGA, 
and LAWSON, 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 F. Rand Wallis, Chair, Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury 
Instructions in Criminal Cases, Daytona Beach, Florida; and Bart Schneider, Staff 
Liaison, Office of the State Courts Administrator, Tallahassee, Florida, 
 
 
for Petitioner 
 
                                          
 
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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APPENDIX 
 
20.13 [FRAUDULENT USE OF] [OR] [POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO 
FRAUDULENTLY USE] PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION 
§ 817.568(2), Fla. Stat. 
To prove the crime of [Fraudulent Use of] [Possession with Intent to 
Fraudulently Use] Personal Identification Information, the State must prove 
the following two elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 
1. 
(Defendant) willfully and without authorization [fraudulently 
used] [possessed with intent to fraudulently use] personal 
identification information concerning (victim). 
2. 
[He] [She] did so without first obtaining the consent of (victim). 
Definitions. Give as applicable. 
“Willfully” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely. 
“Fraudulently” means purposely or intentionally suppressing the truth 
or perpetrating a deception or both. 
§ 817.568(1)(b), Fla. Stat. 
“Authorization” means empowerment, permission, or competence to 
act. 
§ 817.568(1)(f), Fla. Stat. 
“Personal identification information” means any name or number that 
may be used, alone or in conjunction with any other information, to identify a 
specific person, including any name, postal or electronic mail address, 
telephone number, social security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden 
name, official state or United States issued driver’s license or identification 
number, alien registration number, government passport number, employer 
or taxpayer’s identification number, Medicaid or food stamp account number, 
bank account number, credit or debit card number or personal identification 
number or code assigned to the holder of a debit card by the issuer to permit 
authorized use of such card, unique biometric data such as fingerprint, voice 
print, retina or iris image, or other unique physical representation, unique 
electronic identification number, address, or routing code, medical record, 
telecommunication identifying information or access device, or other number 
or information that can be used to access a person’s financial resources. 
 
 
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§ 817.568(1)(e), Fla. Stat. 
The word “person” includes individuals, children, firms, associations, 
joint adventures, partnerships, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates, 
fiduciaries, corporations, and all other groups or combinations. 
Possession. 
To prove (defendant) “possessed personal identification information,” 
the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that [he] [she] a) knew of the 
existence of the personal identification information and b) intentionally 
exercised control over that personal identification information. 
Control can be exercised over personal identification information 
whether the information is carried on a person, near a person, or in a 
completely separate location.  Mere proximity to the personal identification 
information does not establish that the person intentionally exercised control 
over the personal identification information in the absence of additional 
evidence. Control can be established by proof that (defendant) had direct 
personal power to control the personal identification information or the 
present ability to direct its control by another. 
 
Joint Possession. 
Possession of personal identification information may be sole or joint, 
that is, two or more persons may possess the personal identification 
information. 
 
 Enhanced penalty. Give if applicable. 
 Reclassifications.  
 Give only if applicable and only if Fraudulent Use is charged. 
 § 817.568(2)(b) and (2)(c), Fla. Stat. 
If you find (defendant) guilty of Fraudulent Use of Personal 
Identification Information, you must then determine whether the State has 
further proved beyond a reasonable doubt that: 
 
 
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Give only if Fraudulent Use is charged. 
§ 817.568(2), Fla. Stat. 
a.       the pecuniary benefit, the value of the services received, the 
payment  sought to be avoided, or the amount of the injury or 
fraud perpetrated was $5,000 or more. 
b.       the pecuniary benefit, the value of the services received, the 
payment  sought to be avoided, or the amount of the injury or 
fraud perpetrated was $50,000 or more. 
c.        the pecuniary benefit, the value of the services received, the 
payment sought to be avoided, or the amount of the injury or 
fraud perpetrated was $100,000 or more. 
d.       [he] [she] fraudulently used the personal identification 
information of 10 or more but fewer than 20 persons without their 
consent. 
e.       [he] [she] fraudulently used the personal identification 
information of 20 or more but fewer than 30 persons without their 
consent. 
f.        [he] [she] fraudulently used the personal identification 
information of 30 or more persons without their consent. 
Give only if applicable but may be used if either Fraudulent Use or 
Possession with Intent to Fraudulently Use is charged. 
§ 817.568(5), Fla. Stat. and § 119.011, Fla. Stat. 
If you find (defendant) guilty of [Fraudulent Use of] [Possession with 
Intent to Fraudulently Use] Personal Identification Information, you must 
then determine whether the State has further proved beyond a reasonable 
doubt that the crime was facilitated or furthered by the use of a public record. 
“Public record” means all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, 
photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other 
material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of 
transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection 
with the transaction of official business by any agency. 
Give a. and/or b. only if applicable but may be used if either Fraudulent Use 
or Possession with Intent to Fraudulently Use is charged. 
§ 817.568(10), Fla. Stat. 
 
 
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If you find (defendant) guilty of [Fraudulent Use of] [Possession with 
Intent to Fraudulently Use] Personal Identification Information, you must 
then determine whether the State has further proved beyond a reasonable 
doubt that [he] [she], for the purpose of obtaining or using personal 
identification information, 
(defendant)a.     misrepresented [himself] [herself] to be [a law 
enforcement officer] [an employee or representative of a bank, 
credit card company, credit counseling company or credit 
reporting agency]. 
§ 817.568(10), Fla. Stat. 
(defendant)b.     wrongfully represented that [he] [she] was seeking to 
assist (victim) with (victim’s) credit history. 
Lesser Included Offenses 
 
[FRAUDULENT USE OF] [OR] [POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO 
FRAUDULENTLY USE] PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION 
INFORMATION — 817.568(2) 
CATEGORY ONE 
CATEGORY 
TWO 
FLA. STAT. 
INS. NO. 
None*Unlawful 
Possession of the 
Personal 
Identification 
Information of 
Another Person 
 
817.5685* 
20.18(a)* 
 
Attempt 
777.04(1) 
5.1 
 
Harassment by use 
of personal 
identification 
information 
817.568(4) 
20.14 
 
Unauthorized 
possession of and 
other unlawful acts 
in relation to 
driver’s license or 
identification card 
322.212 
 
 
 
 
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Comments 
 
*It is unclear whether the courts will hold that a person charged solely with  
fraudulent use of personal identification information is necessarily charged with 
unlawful possession of personal identification information. In an abundance of 
caution, the Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases put           
§ 817.5685, Florida Statutes, in the Category One box. 
This instruction was adopted in 2008 [980 So. 2d 1056] and amended in 
2016 [202 So. 3d 830], and 2018. 
 
 
20.14 HARASSMENT BY USE OF PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION 
INFORMATION 
§ 817.568(4), Fla. Stat. 
 
To prove the crime of Harassment by Use of Personal Identification 
Information, the State must prove the following three elements beyond a 
reasonable doubt: 
1. 
(Defendant) willfully and without authorization [possessed] [used] 
[attempted to use] personal identification information concerning 
(victim). 
2. 
[He] [She] did so without first obtaining the consent of (victim). 
3. 
[He] [She] did so with the purpose of harassing (victim). 
Definitions. Give as applicable. 
“Willfully” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely. 
§ 817.568(1)(b), Fla. Stat. 
“Authorization” means empowerment, permission, or competence to 
act. 
§ 817.568(1)(f), Fla. Stat. 
“Personal identification information” means any name or number that 
may be used, alone or in conjunction with any other information, to identify a 
specific person, including any name, postal or electronic mail address, 
telephone number, social security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden 
 
 
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name, official state or United States issued driver’s license or identification 
number, alien registration number, government passport number, employer 
or taxpayer’s identification number, Medicaid or food stamp account number, 
bank account number, credit or debit card number or personal identification 
number or code assigned to the holder of a debit card by the issuer to permit 
authorized use of such card, unique biometric data such as fingerprint, voice 
print, retina or iris image, or other unique physical representation, unique 
electronic identification number, address, or routing code, medical record, 
telecommunication identifying information or access device, or other number 
or information that can be used to access a person’s financial resources. 
§ 817.568(1)(e), Fla. Stat. 
The word “person” includes individuals, children, firms, associations, 
joint adventures, partnerships, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates, 
fiduciaries, corporations, and all other groups or combinations. 
§ 817.568(1)(c), Fla. Stat. 
“Harass” means to engage in conduct directed at a specific person that 
is intended to cause substantial emotional distress to such person and serves 
no legitimate purpose. “Harass” does not mean to use personal identification 
information for accepted commercial purposes and does not include 
constitutionally protected conduct such as organized protests. 
Possession. 
To prove (defendant) “possessed personal identification information,” 
the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that [he] [she] a) knew of the 
existence of the personal identification information and b) intentionally 
exercised control over that personal identification information.  
Control can be exercised over personal identification information 
whether the information is carried on a person, near a person, or in a 
completely separate location.  Mere proximity to the personal identification 
information does not establish that the person intentionally exercised control 
over the personal identification information in the absence of additional 
evidence. Control can be established by proof that (defendant) had direct 
personal power to control the personal identification information or the 
present ability to direct its control by another.   
 
 
 
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Joint Possession. 
Possession of personal identification information may be sole or joint, 
that is, two or more persons may possess the personal identification 
information. 
 
Reclassification. § 817.568(5), Fla. Stat. and § 119.011, Fla. Stat. 
If you find (defendant) guilty of Harassment by Use of Personal 
Identification Information, you must then determine whether the State has 
further proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the crime was facilitated or 
furthered by the use of a public record. “Public record” means all documents, 
papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data 
processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, 
characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or 
ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any 
agency.    
Reclassification. § 817.568(10), Fla. Stat. Give a. and/or b. as applicable. 
If you find (defendant) guilty of Harassment by Use of Personal 
Identification Information, you must then determine whether the State has 
further proved beyond a reasonable doubt that [he] [she], for the purpose of 
obtaining or using personal identification information,  
a.       misrepresented [himself] [herself] to be [a law enforcement 
officer] [an employee or representative of a bank, credit card 
company, credit counseling company or credit reporting agency]. 
b.       wrongfully represented that [he] [she] was seeking to assist 
(victim) with (victim’s) credit history. 
 
 
 
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Lesser Included Offense 
 
HARASSMENT BY USE OF PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION 
INFORMATION — 817.568(4) 
CATEGORY ONE 
CATEGORY TWO 
FLA. STAT. 
INS. NO 
NoneUnlawful 
Possession of 
Personal 
Identification 
Information of 
Another Person* 
 
817.5685 
20.18(a) 
 
Attempt (possession only) 777.04(1) 
5.1 
 
Unauthorized possession 
of and other unlawful acts 
in relation to driver’s 
license or identification 
card 
322.212 
 
 
Comments 
 
*It is unclear whether the courts will hold that a person charged solely with  
using personal identification information of another without consent is necessarily 
charged with unlawful possession of personal identification information. Also, if a 
person is charged solely with attempted use of personal identification information, 
unlawful possession of personal identification information may or may not be a 
Category One lesser depending on the facts of the case. In an abundance of 
caution, the Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases put           
§ 817.5685, Florida Statutes, in the Category One box. 
There are two possible enhanced penalties for this crime. See § 817.568(5), 
and § 817.568(10), Fla. Stat. If one of those enhanced penalties is charged, a 
special instruction would be necessary in order for the jury to make the appropriate 
finding. 
This instruction was adopted in 2007 [962 So. 2d 310] and amended in 2016 
[202 So. 3d 830], and 2018. 
 
 
 
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20.15 FRAUDULENT USE OF PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION 
INFORMATION OF A [MINOR] [PERSON SIXTY YEARS OF AGE OR 
OLDER] 
§ 817.568(6), Fla. Stat. 
 
To prove the crime of Fraudulent Use of Personal Identification 
Information of a [Minor] [Person Sixty Years of Age or Older], the State must 
prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 
1. 
(Defendant) willfully and without authorization fraudulently used 
personal identification information concerning (victim). 
2. 
At the time, (victim) was [younger than 18 years of age] [60 years 
of age or older]. 
3. 
(Defendant) did so without first obtaining the consent of (victim) 
[or [his] [her] legal guardian]. 
Definitions. 
“Willfully” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely. 
“Fraudulently” means purposely or intentionally suppressing the truth 
or perpetrating a deception. 
§ 817.568(1)(b), Fla. Stat. 
“Authorization” means empowerment, permission, or competence to 
act. 
§ 817.568(1)(f), Fla. Stat. 
“Personal identification information” means any name or number that 
may be used, alone or in conjunction with any other information, to identify a 
specific person, including any name, postal or electronic mail address, 
telephone number, social security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden 
name, official state or United States issued driver’s license or identification 
number, alien registration number, government passport number, employer 
or taxpayer’s identification number, Medicaid or food stamp account number, 
bank account number, credit or debit card number or personal identification 
number or code assigned to the holder of a debit card by the issuer to permit 
authorized use of such card, unique biometric data such as fingerprint, voice 
print, retina or iris image, or other unique physical representation, unique 
electronic identification number, address, or routing code, medical record, 
 
 
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telecommunication identifying information or access device, or other number 
or information that can be used to access a person’s financial resources. 
§ 817.568(1)(e), Fla. Stat. 
The word “person” includes individuals, children, firms, associations, 
joint adventures, partnerships, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates, 
fiduciaries, corporations, and all other groups or combinations. 
Reclassification. § 817.568(5), Fla. Stat. and § 119.011, Fla. Stat. 
If you find (defendant) guilty of Fraudulent Use of Personal 
Identification Information of a [Minor] [Person Sixty Years of Age or Older], 
you must then determine whether the State has further proved beyond a 
reasonable doubt that the crime was facilitated or furthered by the use of a 
public record. “Public record” means all documents, papers, letters, maps, 
books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, 
or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of 
transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection 
with the transaction of official business by any agency.    
Reclassification. § 817.568(10), Fla. Stat. Give a. and/or b. as applicable. 
If you find (defendant) guilty of Fraudulent Use of Personal 
Identification Information of a [Minor] [Person Sixty Years of Age or Older], 
you must then determine whether the State has further proved beyond a 
reasonable doubt that [he] [she], for the purpose of obtaining or using 
personal identification information,  
a.       misrepresented [himself] [herself] to be [a law enforcement 
officer] [an employee or representative of a bank, credit card 
company, credit counseling company or credit reporting agency]. 
b.       wrongfully represented that [he] [she] was seeking to assist 
(victim) with (victim’s) credit history. 
 
 
 
 
 
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Lesser Included Offense 
 
FRAUDULENT USE OF PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION 
INFORMATION OF A [MINOR] [PERSON SIXTY YEARS OF AGE OR 
OLDER — 817.568(6) 
CATEGORY ONE 
CATEGORY 
TWO 
FLA. STAT. 
INS. NO. 
*Fraudulent Use of 
Personal 
Identification 
Information 
 
817.568(2)(a) 
20.13 
*Unlawful 
Possession of the 
Personal 
Identification 
Information of 
Another Person 
 
817.5685 
20.18(a) 
 
Attempt 
777.04(1) 
5.1 
 
Unauthorized 
possession of and 
other unlawful acts 
in relation to 
driver’s license or 
identification card 
322.212 
 
 
Comments 
 
*The part of § 817.568(2)(a), Fla. Stat., that covers the defendant willfully 
and without authorization fraudulently using the victim’s personal identification 
information is a necessary lesser included offense of this crime. However, the part 
of § 817.568(2)(a), Fla. Stat. that covers the defendant possessing personal 
identification information with intent to fraudulently use is notit is unclear whether 
the courts will hold that someone charged solely with fraudulent use of personal 
identification information is necessarily charged with possession with intent to 
fraudulently use personal identification information or unlawful possession of 
personal identification information. In an abundance of caution, the Committee on 
Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases put all of § 817.568(2)(a), Fla. Stat., 
and § 817.5685, Fla. Stat., in the Category One box. 
 
 
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There are two possible enhanced penalties for this crime. See § 817.568(5), 
and § 817.568(10), Fla. Stat. If one of those enhanced penalties is charged, a 
special instruction would be necessary in order for the jury to make the appropriate 
finding. 
This instruction was adopted in 2007 [962 So. 2d 310] and amended in 2015 
[176 So. 3d 938], and 2016 [202 So. 3d 830], and 2018. 
 
 
20.16 FRAUDULENT USE OF PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION 
INFORMATION OF A [MINOR] [PERSON 60 YEARS OF AGE OR 
OLDER] BY A PARENT, LEGAL GUARDIAN, OR PERSON WHO 
EXERCISED CUSTODIAL AUTHORITY 
§ 817.568(7), Fla. Stat. 
To prove the crime of Fraudulent Use of Personal Identification 
Information of a [Minor] [Person 60 Years of Age or Older] by a [Parent] 
[Legal Guardian] [or] [Person who Exercised Custodial Authority], the State 
must prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 
1. 
(Defendant) willfully and fraudulently used personal identification 
information concerning (victim). 
2. 
At the time, (victim) was [younger than 18 years of age] [60 years 
of age or older]. 
3. 
(Defendant) was [the parent of] [the legal guardian of] [exercised 
custodial authority over] (victim) at the time. 
Definitions. 
“Willfully” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely. 
“Fraudulently” means purposely or intentionally suppressing the truth 
or perpetrating a deception. 
§ 817.568(1)(f), Fla. Stat. 
“Personal identification information” means any name or number that 
may be used, alone or in conjunction with any other information, to identify a 
specific person, including any name, postal or electronic mail address, 
telephone number, social security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden 
name, official state or United States issued driver’s license or identification 
 
 
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number, alien registration number, government passport number, employer 
or taxpayer’s identification number, Medicaid or food stamp account number, 
bank account number, credit or debit card number or personal identification 
number or code assigned to the holder of a debit card by the issuer to permit 
authorized use of such card, unique biometric data such as fingerprint, voice 
print, retina or iris image, or other unique physical representation, unique 
electronic identification number, address, or routing code, medical record, 
telecommunication identifying information or access device, or other number 
or information that can be used to access a person’s financial resources. 
§ 817.568(1)(e), Fla. Stat. 
The word “person” includes individuals, children, firms, associations, 
joint adventures, partnerships, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates, 
fiduciaries, corporations, and all other groups or combinations. 
Reclassification. § 817.568(5), Fla. Stat. and § 119.011, Fla. Stat. 
If you find (defendant) guilty of Fraudulent Use of Personal 
Identification Information of a [Minor] [Person Sixty Years of Age or Older] 
By A [Parent] [Legal Guardian] [Person Who Exercised Custodial Authority], 
you must then determine whether the State has further proved beyond a 
reasonable doubt that the crime was facilitated or furthered by the use of a 
public record. “Public record” means all documents, papers, letters, maps, 
books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, 
or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of 
transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection 
with the transaction of official business by any agency.    
Reclassification. § 817.568(10), Fla. Stat. Give a. and/or b. as applicable. 
If you find (defendant) guilty of Fraudulent Use of Personal 
Identification Information of a [Minor] [Person Sixty Years of Age or Older] 
By A [Parent] [Legal Guardian] [Person Who Exercised Custodial Authority], 
you must then determine whether the State has further proved beyond a 
reasonable doubt that [he] [she], for the purpose of obtaining or using 
personal identification information,  
a.       misrepresented [himself] [herself] to be [a law enforcement 
officer] [an employee or representative of a bank, credit card 
company, credit counseling company or credit reporting agency]. 
b.       wrongfully represented that [he] [she] was seeking to assist 
(victim) with (victim’s) credit history. 
 
 
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Lesser Included Offense 
 
FRAUDULENT USE OF PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION 
INFORMATION OF A [MINOR] [PERSON 60 YEARS OF AGE OR 
OLDER] BY A [PARENT] [LEGAL GUARDIAN] [PERSON WHO 
EXERCISED CUSTODIAL AUTHORITY] — 817.568(7) 
CATEGORY ONE 
CATEGORY 
TWO 
FLA. STAT. 
INS. NO. 
None  
 
 
 
 
Fraudulent Use of 
Personal 
Identification 
Information 
817.568(2)(a) 
20.13 
 
Unlawful Possession 
of Personal 
Identification 
Information of 
Another 
817.5685 
20.18(a) 
 
Unauthorized 
possession of and 
other unlawful acts 
in relation to 
driver’s license or 
identification card 
322.212 
 
 
Attempt 
777.04(1) 
5.1 
 
Comments 
 
There are two possible enhanced penalties for this crime. § 817.568(5), Fla. 
Stat. and § 817.568(10), Fla. Stat. If one of these enhanced penalties is charged, a 
special instruction would be necessary in order for the jury to make the appropriate 
finding. 
This instruction was adopted in 2007 [962 So. 2d 310] and amended in 2015 
[176 So. 3d 938], and 2016 [202 So. 3d 830], and 2018. 
 
 
 
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20.17 [FRAUDULENT USE OF] [OR] [POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO 
FRAUDULENTLY USE] PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION 
CONCERNING A [DECEASED INDIVIDUAL] [DISSOLVED BUSINESS 
ENTITY] 
§ 817.568(8), Fla. Stat. 
To prove the crime of [Fraudulent Use of] [Possession with Intent to 
Fraudulently Use] Personal Identification Information Concerning a 
[Deceased Individual] [Dissolved Business Entity], the State must prove the 
following two elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 
1. 
(Defendant) [willfully and fraudulently used] [possessed with 
intent to fraudulently use] personal identification information 
concerning (victim). 
2. 
At the time, (victim) was a [deceased individual] [dissolved 
business entity]. 
Definitions. Give as applicable. 
“Willfully” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely. 
“Fraudulently” means purposely or intentionally suppressing the truth 
or perpetrating a deception or both. 
§ 817.568(1)(d), Fla. Stat. 
“Individual” means a single human being and does not mean a firm, 
association of individuals, corporation, partnership, joint venture, sole 
proprietorship, or any other entity. 
§ 817.568(1)(f), Fla. Stat. 
“Personal identification information” means any name or number that 
may be used, alone or in conjunction with any other information, to identify a 
specific person or dissolved business entity, including any name, postal or 
electronic mail address, telephone number, social security number, date of 
birth, mother’s maiden name, official state or United States issued driver’s 
license or identification number, alien registration number, government 
passport number, employer or taxpayer’s identification number, Medicaid or 
food stamp account number, bank account number, credit or debit card 
number or personal identification number or code assigned to the holder of a 
debit card by the issuer to permit authorized use of such card, unique 
biometric data such as fingerprint, voice print, retina or iris image, or other 
unique physical representation, unique electronic identification number, 
 
 
- 20 - 
address, or routing code, medical record, telecommunication identifying 
information or access device, or other number or information that can be used 
to access a person’s financial resources. 
 
Possession. 
To prove (defendant) “possessed personal identification information,” 
the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that [he] [she] a) knew of the 
existence of the personal identification information and b) intentionally 
exercised control over that personal identification information.  
Control can be exercised over personal identification information 
whether the information is carried on a person, near a person, or in a 
completely separate location.  Mere proximity to the personal identification 
information does not establish that the person intentionally exercised control 
over the personal identification information in the absence of additional 
evidence. Control can be established by proof that (defendant) had direct 
personal power to control the personal identification information or the 
present ability to direct its control by another.   
 
Joint Possession. 
Possession of personal identification information may be sole or joint, 
that is, two or more persons may possess the personal identification 
information. 
 
Enhanced penalty. Give if applicable. 
Reclassifications.  
Give only if applicable and only if Fraudulent Use is charged. 
§ 817.568(8)(b) and (8)(c), Fla. Stat. 
If you find (defendant) guilty of Fraudulent Use of Personal 
Identification Information of a [Deceased Individual] [Dissolved Business 
Entity], you must then determine whether the State has further proved 
beyond a reasonable doubt that: 
Give only if Fraudulent Use is charged. 
§ 817.568(8), Fla. Stat. 
a.       the pecuniary benefit, the value of the services received, the 
payment sought to be avoided, or the amount of the injury or 
fraud perpetrated was $5,000 or more. 
 
 
- 21 - 
b.       the pecuniary benefit, the value of the services received, the 
payment sought to be avoided, or the amount of the injury or 
fraud perpetrated was $50,000 or more. 
c.        the pecuniary benefit, the value of the services received, the 
payment sought to be avoided, or the amount of the injury or 
fraud perpetrated was $100,000 or more. 
 d.      [he] [she] fraudulently used the personal identification 
information of 10 or more but fewer than 20 [deceased 
individuals] [dissolved business entities]. 
 e.       [he] [she] fraudulently used the personal identification 
information of 20 or more but fewer than 30 [deceased 
individuals] [dissolved business entities]. 
 f.       [he] [she] fraudulently used the personal identification 
information of 30 or more [deceased individuals] [dissolved 
business entities]  
Give only if applicable but may be used if either Fraudulent Use or 
Possession with Intent to Fraudulently Use is charged.  
§ 817.568(5), Fla. Stat. and § 119.011, Fla. Stat. 
If you find (defendant) guilty of [Fraudulent Use of] [Possession with 
Intent to Fraudulently Use] Personal Identification Information, you must 
then determine whether the State has further proved beyond a reasonable 
doubt that the crime was facilitated or furthered by the use of a public record. 
“Public record” means all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, 
photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other 
material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of 
transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection 
with the transaction of official business by any agency.    
Give a. and/or b. only if applicable but may be used if either Fraudulent Use 
or Possession with Intent to Fraudulently Use is charged.  
§ 817.568(10), Fla. Stat. 
If you find (defendant) guilty of [Fraudulent Use of] [Possession with 
Intent to Fraudulently Use] Personal Identification Information, you must 
then determine whether the State has further proved beyond a reasonable 
doubt that [he] [she], for the purpose of obtaining or using personal 
identification information,  
 
 
- 22 - 
(defendant)a.     misrepresented [himself] [herself] to be [a law 
enforcement officer] [an employee or representative of a bank, 
credit card company, credit counseling company or credit 
reporting agency]. 
§ 817.568(10), Fla. Stat. 
(defendant)b.___wrongfully represented that [he] [she] was seeking to 
assist (victim) with (victim’s) credit history. 
Lesser Included Offense 
 
[FRAUDULENT USE OF] [OR] [POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO 
FRAUDULENTLY USE] PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION 
INFORMATION CONCERNING A [DECEASED INDIVIDUAL] 
[DISSOLVED BUSINESS ENTITY] — 817.568(8) 
CATEGORY ONE 
CATEGORY 
TWO 
FLA. STAT. 
INS. NO. 
None 
 
 
 
 
Unlawful Possession 
of Personal 
Identification 
Information of 
Another 
817.5685 
20.18(a) 
 
Unauthorized 
possession of and 
other unlawful acts 
in relation to 
driver’s license or 
identification card 
322.212 
 
 
Attempt 
777.04(1) 
5.1 
 
Comment 
 
This instruction was adopted in 2008 [980 So. 2d 1056] and amended in 
2016 [202 So. 3d 830] and 2018. 
 
 
- 23 - 
20.18 [FRAUDULENT CREATION OF] [FRAUDULENT USE OF] 
[POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO FRAUDULENTLY USE] 
COUNTERFEIT PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION 
§ 817.568(9), Fla. Stat. 
To prove the crime of [Fraudulent Creation of] [Fraudulent Use of] 
[Possession with Intent to Fraudulently Use] Counterfeit Personal 
Identification Information, the State must prove the following three elements 
beyond a reasonable doubt: 
1. 
(Defendant) willfully and fraudulently [created] [used] [possessed 
with intent to fraudulently use] counterfeit or fictitious personal 
identification information. 
Give 2a or 2b as applicable. 
2. 
a. 
The personal identification information concerned a  
fictitious individual. 
b. 
The personal identification information concerned a real 
individual whose consent had not first been obtained. 
3. 
[He] [She] did so with intent to use the counterfeit or fictitious 
personal identification information to commit or to facilitate the 
commission of a fraud on another person. 
Definitions._Give as applicable. 
“Willfully” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely. 
“Fraudulently” means purposely or intentionally suppressing the truth 
or perpetrating a deception. 
§ 817.568(1)(f), Fla. Stat. 
“Personal identification information” means any name or number that 
may be used, alone or in conjunction with any other information, to identify a 
specific person, including any name, postal or electronic mail address, 
telephone number, social security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden 
name, official state or United States issued driver’s license or identification 
number, alien registration number, government passport number, employer 
or taxpayer’s identification number, Medicaid or food stamp account number, 
bank account number, credit or debit card number or personal identification 
number or code assigned to the holder of a debit card by the issuer to permit 
 
 
- 24 - 
authorized use of such card, unique biometric data such as fingerprint, voice 
print, retina or iris image, or other unique physical representation, unique 
electronic identification number, address, or routing code, medical record, 
telecommunication identifying information or access device, or other number 
or information that can be used to access a person’s financial resources. 
§ 817.568(1)(g), Fla. Stat. 
“Counterfeit or fictitious personal identification information” means 
any counterfeit, fictitious or fabricated information in the similitude of the 
data just defined to you that, although not truthful or accurate, would in 
context lead a reasonably prudent person to credit its truthfulness and 
accuracy. 
§ 817.568(1)(e), Fla. Stat. 
The word “person” includes individuals, children, firms, associations, 
joint adventures, partnerships, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates, 
fiduciaries, corporations, and all other groups or combinations.  
Possession. 
To prove (defendant) “possessed counterfeit or fictitious personal 
identification information,” the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt 
that [he] [she] a) knew of the existence of the personal identification 
information and b) intentionally exercised control over that personal 
identification information.  
Control can be exercised over personal identification information 
whether the information is carried on a person, near a person, or in a 
completely separate location.  Mere proximity to the personal identification 
information does not establish that the person intentionally exercised control 
over the personal identification information in the absence of additional 
evidence. Control can be established by proof that (defendant) had direct 
personal power to control the personal identification information or the 
present ability to direct its control by another.   
 
Joint Possession. 
Possession of personal identification information may be sole or joint, 
that is, two or more persons may possess the personal identification 
information. 
 
 
 
- 25 - 
Reclassification. § 817.568(5), Fla. Stat. and § 119.011, Fla. Stat. 
If you find (defendant) guilty of [Fraudulent Creation of] [Fraudulent 
Use of] [Possession with Intent to Fraudulently Use] Counterfeit Personal 
Identification Information, you must then determine whether the State has 
further proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the crime was facilitated or 
furthered by the use of a public record. “Public record” means all documents, 
papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data 
processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, 
characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or 
ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any 
agency.    
Reclassification. § 817.568(10), Fla. Stat. Give a. and/or b. as applicable. 
If you find (defendant) guilty of [Fraudulent Creation of] [Fraudulent 
Use of] [Possession with Intent to Fraudulently Use] Counterfeit Personal 
Identification Information, you must then determine whether the State has 
further proved beyond a reasonable doubt that [he] [she], for the purpose of 
obtaining or using personal identification information,  
a.       misrepresented [himself] [herself] to be [a law enforcement 
officer] [an employee or representative of a bank, credit card 
company, credit counseling company or credit reporting agency]. 
b.       wrongfully represented that [he] [she] was seeking to assist 
(victim) with (victim’s) credit history. 
 
Lesser Included Offense 
 
FRAUDULENT CREATION, USE OR POSSESSION OF 
COUNTERFEIT PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION —
817.568(9) 
CATEGORY ONE CATEGORY TWO FLA. STAT. 
INS. NO. 
None 
 
 
 
 
Unlawful Possession 
of Personal 
Identification 
Information of 
Another Person 
817.5685 
 
 
Unauthorized 
possession of and 
other unlawful acts 
322.212 
 
 
 
- 26 - 
in relation to driver’s 
license or 
identification card 
 
Attempt 
777.04(1) 
5.1 
 
Comments 
 
There are two possible enhanced penalties for this crime. See § 817.568(5), 
and § 817.568(10), Fla. Stat. If one of those enhanced penalties is charged, a 
special instruction would be necessary in order for the jury to make the appropriate 
finding. 
This instruction was adopted in 2007 [962 So. 2d 310] and amended in 2016 
[202 So. 3d 830] and 2018. 
 
 
 
20.21 FRAUDULENT USE OF PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION 
INFORMATION OF A [DISABLED ADULT] [PUBLIC SERVANT] 
[VETERAN] [FIRST RESPONDER] [STATE EMPLOYEE] [FEDERAL 
EMPLOYEE] 
§ 817.568(11), Fla. Stat. 
To prove the crime of Fraudulent Use of Personal Identification 
Information of a [Disabled Adult] [Public Servant] [Veteran] [First 
Responder] [State Employee] [Federal Employee], the State must prove the 
following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 
1. 
(Defendant) willfully and without authorization fraudulently used 
personal identification information concerning (victim). 
2. 
At the time, (victim) was [a disabled adult] [a public servant] [a 
veteran] [a first responder] [a state employee] [a federal 
employee]. 
3. 
(Defendant) did so without first obtaining consent of (victim). 
Definitions. 
“Willfully” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely. 
“Fraudulently” means purposely or intentionally suppressing the truth 
or perpetrating a deception. 
 
 
- 27 - 
§ 817.568(1)(b), Fla. Stat. 
“Authorization” means empowerment, permission, or competence to 
act. 
§ 817.568(1)(f), Fla. Stat. 
“Personal identification information” means any name or number that 
may be used, alone or in conjunction with any other information, to identify a 
specific person, including any name, postal or electronic mail address, 
telephone number, social security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden 
name, official state or United States issued driver’s license or identification 
number, alien registration number, government passport number, employer 
or taxpayer’s identification number, Medicaid or food stamp account number, 
bank account number, credit or debit card number or personal identification 
number or code assigned to the holder of a debit card by the issuer to permit 
authorized use of such card, unique biometric data such as fingerprint, voice 
print, retina or iris image, or other unique physical representation, unique 
electronic identification number, address, or routing code, medical record, 
telecommunication identifying information or access device, or other number 
or information that can be used to access a person’s financial resources. 
Give as applicable. 
§ 825.101(3), Fla. Stat. 
“Disabled adult” means a person 18 years of age or older who suffers 
from a condition of physical or mental incapacitation due to a developmental 
disability, organic brain damage, or mental illness, or who has one or more 
physical or mental limitations that restrict the person’s ability to perform the 
normal activities of daily living. 
§ 838.014(7), Fla. Stat. 
“Public servant” means any officer or employee of a governmental 
entity, including any executive, legislative, or judicial branch officer or 
employee. 
Give if applicable. § 838.014(7)(b) and (7)(c), Fla. Stat. 
“Public servant” also includes any person, except a witness, who acts as 
a general or special magistrate, receiver, auditor, arbitrator, umpire, referee, 
consultant, or hearing officer while performing a governmental function or a 
candidate for election or appointment to any of these officer positions; or an 
individual who has been elected to, but has yet to officially assume the 
responsibilities of, public office. 
 
 
- 28 - 
§ 838.014(4), Fla. Stat. 
“Governmental entity” means an agency or entity of the state, a county, 
municipality, or special district or any other public entity created or 
authorized by law. 
§ 1.01(14), Fla. Stat. 
“Veteran” means a person who served in the active military, naval, or 
air service and who was discharged or released under honorable conditions 
only or who later received an upgraded discharge under honorable conditions, 
notwithstanding any action by the United States Department of Veterans 
Affairs on individuals discharged or released with other than honorable 
discharges. 
§ 125.01045(2), Fla. Stat. 
“First responder” means a law enforcement officer, a firefighter, or an 
emergency medical technician or paramedic who is employed by the state or a 
local government. [A volunteer law enforcement officer, firefighter, or 
emergency medical technician or paramedic engaged by the state or a local 
government is also considered a first responder of the state or local 
government for purposes of this section.] 
§ 943.10(10), Fla. Stat. 
“Law enforcement officer” means any person who is elected, appointed, 
or employed full time by any municipality or the state or any political 
subdivision thereof; who is vested with authority to bear arms and make 
arrests; and whose primary responsibility is the prevention and detection of 
crime or the enforcement of the penal, criminal, traffic, or highway laws of 
the state. This definition includes all certified supervisory and command 
personnel whose duties include, in whole or in part, the supervision, training, 
guidance, and management responsibilities of full-time law enforcement 
officers, part-time law enforcement officers, or auxiliary law enforcement 
officers but does not include support personnel employed by the employing 
agency. 
§ 633.102(9), Fla. Stat. 
“Firefighter” means an individual who holds a current and valid 
Firefighter Certificate of Compliance or Special Certificate of Compliance 
issued by the Division of State Fire Marshal within the Department of 
Financial Services. 
 
 
- 29 - 
§ 401.23(17), Fla. Stat. 
“Paramedic” means a person who is certified by the Department of 
Health to perform basic and advanced life support. 
Reclassification. § 817.568(5), Fla. Stat. and § 119.011, Fla. Stat. 
If you find (defendant) guilty of Fraudulent Use of Personal 
Identification Information of a [Disabled Adult] [Public Servant] [Veteran] 
[First Responder] [State Employee] [Federal Employee], you must then 
determine whether the State has further proved beyond a reasonable doubt 
that the crime was facilitated or furthered by the use of a public record. 
“Public record” means all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, 
photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other 
material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of 
transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection 
with the transaction of official business by any agency.    
Reclassification. § 817.568(10), Fla. Stat. Give a. and/or b. as applicable.  
If you find (defendant) guilty of Fraudulent Use of Personal 
Identification Information of a [Disabled Adult] [Public Servant] [Veteran] 
[First Responder] [State Employee] [Federal Employee], you must then 
determine whether the State has further proved beyond a reasonable doubt 
that [he] [she], for the purpose of obtaining or using personal identification 
information,  
a.       misrepresented [himself] [herself] to be [a law enforcement 
officer] [an employee or representative of a bank, credit card 
company, credit counseling company or credit reporting agency]. 
b.       wrongfully represented that [he] [she] was seeking to assist 
(victim) with (victim’s) credit history. 
 
 
 
- 30 - 
Lesser Included Offenses 
 
FRAUDULENT USE OF PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION 
INFORMATION OF A [DISABLED ADULT] [PUBLIC SERVANT] 
[VETERAN] [FIRST RESPONDER] [STATE EMPLOYEE] [FEDERAL 
EMPLOYEE] — 817.568(11) 
CATEGORY ONE 
CATEGORY 
TWO 
FLA. STAT. 
INS. NO. 
*Fraudulent Use of 
Personal 
Identification 
Information 
 
817.568(2)(a) 
20.13 
*Unlawful 
Possession of 
Personal 
Identification 
Information of 
Another 
 
817.5685 
20.18(a) 
 
Unauthorized 
possession of and 
other unlawful acts 
in relation to 
driver’s license or 
identification card 
322.212 
 
 
Attempt 
777.04(1) 
5.1 
 
Comments 
 
*The part of § 817.568(2)(a), Fla. Stat., that covers the defendant willfully 
and without authorization fraudulently using the victim’s personal identification 
information is a necessary lesser included offense of this crime. However, the part 
of § 817.568(2)(a), Fla. Stat., that covers the defendant possessing personal 
identification information with intent to fraudulently use is not notit is unclear 
whether the courts will hold that someone charged with fraudulent use of personal 
identification information is necessarily charged with possession with intent to 
fraudulently use personal identification information or unlawful possession of 
personal identification information. In an abundance of caution, the Committee on 
Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases put all of § 817.568(2)(a), Fla. Stat., 
and § 817.5685, Fla. Stat., in the Category One box. 
 
 
- 31 - 
Both § 817.568(6), Fla. Stat., and § 817.568(11), Fla. Stat., criminalize 
Fraudulent Use of Personal Identification Information of a Person 60 Years of Age 
or Older. While both are second degree felonies, § 817.568(6), Fla. Stat., is listed 
in level 8 and § 817.568(11), Fla. Stat., is unlisted, which would make it a level 4, 
according to § 921.0023, Fla. Stat. If the State alleges that the defendant violated     
§ 817.568(11), Fla. Stat., and that the victim was 60 years of age or older, the trial 
judge should instruct using the appropriate parts of Instruction 20.15. 
There are two possible enhanced penalties for this crime. See § 817.568(5) 
and § 817.568(10), Fla. Stat. If one of these enhanced penalties is charged, a 
special instruction would be necessary in order for the jury to make the appropriate 
finding. 
This instruction was adopted in 2015 [176 So. 3d 938] and amended in 2016 
[202 So. 3d 830] and 2018.