Like states across the nation, Florida is trying to meet the challenge of more fraudulent IDs whether presented in person or by digital image. Many of these fake IDs come from counterfeiters located overseas with sophisticated equipment. As stories below illustrate, fake identification is getting easier to obtain in Florida and is often associated with illegal alcohol purchases by minors and financial fraud.
- Age to consume: 21 - Age to serve: 18 - Age to pour: 18 - Age to sell (packaged liquor): 21 - Minors allowed on premise? In establishments where sales from food account for more than 50% of total sales, minors are allowed in the establishment. There is no law prohibiting minors to sit at a bar as long as they are not consuming alcohol. Must be at least 18 to work in areas of an establishment that sell or serve alcohol for consumption. - Penalties for serving or selling to a minor: 2nd degree misdemeanor punishable by up to $5000 fine and/or up to 60 days imprisonment.
For law enforcement officers, bank tellers, car rental agents, human resources professionals and others who must verify ID in a professional capacity, the recent surge in fake IDs is challenging. The liability and losses that result from accepting a fake ID are large. The I.D. Checking Guide assists in the ID verification process by showing what an actual, valid ID looks like at full-size, and highlights the details of the licenses, making it much easier to spot the fraud. Before approving an expensive car rental, opening a new bank account or hiring a new employee, make sure the driver’s license or ID card has the correct numbering, UV, microprint, ghost images, expiration, and other details that counterfeiters often miss.