(1) A person may not:

(a) Practice acupuncture unless the person is licensed under ss. 457.101457.118;

Attorney's Note

Under the Florida Statutes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
misdemeanor of the second degreeup to 60 daysup to $500
For details, see Fla. Stat. § 775.082(4)(b)

Terms Used In Florida Statutes 457.116

  • Acupuncture: means a form of primary health care, based on traditional Chinese medical concepts and modern oriental medical techniques, that employs acupuncture diagnosis and treatment, as well as adjunctive therapies and diagnostic techniques, for the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health and the prevention of disease. See Florida Statutes 457.102
  • Acupuncturist: means any person licensed as provided in this chapter to practice acupuncture as a primary health care provider. See Florida Statutes 457.102
  • Board: means the Board of Acupuncture. See Florida Statutes 457.102
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • License: means the document of authorization issued by the department for a person to engage in the practice of acupuncture. See Florida Statutes 457.102
  • person: includes individuals, children, firms, associations, joint adventures, partnerships, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates, fiduciaries, corporations, and all other groups or combinations. See Florida Statutes 1.01
(b) Use, in connection with his or her name or place of business, any title or description of services which incorporates the words “acupuncture,” “acupuncturist,” “certified acupuncturist,” “licensed acupuncturist,” “oriental medical practitioner”; the letters “L.Ac.,” “R.Ac.,” “A.P.,” or “D.O.M.”; or any other words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying that he or she practices acupuncture unless he or she is a holder of a valid license issued pursuant to ss. 457.101457.118;
(c) Present as his or her own the license of another;
(d) Knowingly give false or forged evidence to the board or a member thereof;
(e) Use or attempt to use a license that has been suspended, revoked, or placed on inactive or delinquent status;
(f) Employ any person who is not licensed pursuant to ss. 457.101457.118 to engage in the practice of acupuncture; or
(g) Conceal information relating to any violation of ss. 457.101457.118.
(2) A person who violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.