Bill would make fake vaccination cards a felony in Florida

A Florida House Democrat has filed a bill aimed at cracking down on people who create or have false vaccination cards amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rep. Michael Grieco, D-Miami Beach, proposed the measure last week (HB 47) for consideration during the 2022 legislative session, which will start in January.

Under the bill, people could face third-degree felony charges if they create or possess a “certificate, card, or other physical or electronic medium that falsely indicates that the holder of the certificate, card, or other physical or electronic medium has been vaccinated against a specific disease, with the intent to defraud.”

While the bill comes during the pandemic, it is not limited to COVID-19 vaccinations. Parents, for example, could be charged if they faked documents for vaccinations required to attend schools.

“There’s been rampant abuse of the system,” Grieco told Florida Politics. “We’ve got cruise ships that are requiring proof of vaccination. We have employers that are requiring it. Then we also have businesses and other entities that, if you have valid proof of vaccination, you may not have to have the same COVID testing requirements. You may not have to wear a mask. Even the NFL has different standards for vaccinated versus unvaccinated players.”

It ’s already against federal law to forge a vaccination document, Greico said having a state law would allow Florida authorities to enforce the ban on them.

Associated Press reported last month that many college campus leaders are concerned about forged COVID19 vaccination cards as schools reopen this fall.