What is the penalty for false statement of paternity in Florida?

Full question:

My girlfriend has a child who is two months old. She has been living separately from her husband ever since she got pregnant due to some differences between them. However, they never filed for a divorce. After the birth of the child, I wilfully stated myself as the child’s parent hiding from the authorities about the child’s biological father. Will I be liable if I am caught for the false statement of paternity if a paternity action is brought by the parent?

• Category: Paternity
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Florida

Answer:

A paternity action is the process parties use to establish legal obligations and rights involving children born out of wedlock. In Florida, any woman who is pregnant or has a child, or any man who has reason to believe that he is the father of a child, or proceedings can be brought to determine the paternity of the child when paternity has not been legally established

Per Florida Statute §742.108:

“Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person who knowingly and willfully provides false information to the sheriff's office, other law enforcement agency, or governmental agency, or under oath regarding the paternity of a child in conjunction with an application for, or the receipt of, public assistance for a dependent child commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 7752.083, in addition to remaining subject to any other civil or criminal penalties for perjury or making false statements which are applicable under other provisions of law.”

Therefore, because you have provided false information wilfully to the authorities, you shall be liable for a misdemeanor of the second degree which is punishable and an addition to that you may be liable for civil and criminal penalties for perjury or for making false statements.