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Arson

After firefighters have extinguished a fire in Florida, authorities will begin investigating to determine the cause of the blaze. Because fires very rarely have any witnesses, certain observations of firefighters who battle these blazes—such as multiple points of origin or the seeming presence of accelerants—can lead to people possibly being charged with arson.

In some cases, homeowners may be accused of arson as part of an insurance fraud scheme, but other instances of alleged arson may be the result of revenge or hate crimes. Arson is a felony offense in Florida that carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and significant fines.

Lawyer for Arson Arrests in Brooksville, FL

If you believe that you might be under investigation or you were already arrested for alleged arson in Central Florida, it is in your best interest to not say anything to authorities without legal representation. The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. can provide aggressive legal defense against property crime charges and work tirelessly to help you achieve the most favorable outcome possible.

Ashley Aulls is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Brooksville who represents clients all over the greater Hernando County area, including Brooksville, Weeki Wachee, Inverness, Wildwood, New Port Richey, Spring Hill, and many other surrounding communities. You can have our lawyer review your case as soon as you call (352) 593-4115 to set up a confidential consultation.


Florida Arson Information Center


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Arson Penalties in Hernando County

Arson is classified as a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000 under Florida Statute § 806.01(1) when an alleged offender willfully and unlawfully, or while in the commission of any felony, by fire or explosion, damages or causes any of the following to be damaged:

  • Any dwelling, whether occupied or not, or its contents;
  • Any structure, or contents thereof, where persons are normally present, such as: jails, prisons, or detention centers; hospitals, nursing homes, or other health care facilities; department stores, office buildings, business establishments, churches, or educational institutions during normal hours of occupancy; or other similar structures; or
  • Any other structure that he or she knew or had reasonable grounds to believe was occupied by a human being.

Florida Statute § 806.01(3) defines a structure as “any building of any kind, any enclosed area with a roof over it, any real property and appurtenances thereto, any tent or other portable building, and any vehicle, vessel, watercraft, or aircraft.” A dwelling unit is defined under Florida Statute § 83.43(2) as being any of the following:

  • A structure or part of a structure that is rented for use as a home, residence, or sleeping place by one person or by two or more persons who maintain a common household.
  • A mobile home rented by a tenant.
  • A structure or part of a structure that is furnished, with or without rent, as an incident of employment for use as a home, residence, or sleeping place by one or more persons.

When an alleged offender willfully and unlawfully, or while in the commission of any felony, by fire or explosion, damages or causes to be damaged any structure, whether the property of himself or herself or another, under any circumstances not referred to above, arson is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.


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Fire Bomb Penalties in Brooksville

In addition to the arson crimes above, alleged offenders can also be arrested for activities related to fire bombs. A fire bomb is defined under Florida Statute § 806.111(2)(b) as “a container containing flammable or combustible liquid, or any incendiary chemical mixture or compound having a wick or similar device capable of being ignited or other means capable of causing ignition.”

No device commercially manufactured primarily for the purpose of illumination, heating, or cooking can be deemed a fire bomb. Florida Statute § 806.111(1) makes it a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000 if an alleged offender possesses, manufactures, transports, or disposes of a fire bomb with intent that such fire bomb be willfully and unlawfully used to damage by fire or explosion any structure or property.


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Florida Arson Resources

Brooksville Fire Department — Brooksville has multiple fire stations within its city limits, many of which are Hernando County Fire Rescue stations. On this website, you can learn more about the mission, vision, and organizational structure of the Brooksville Fire Rescue. You can also find information about fire equipment and download various forms.

Brooksville Fire Rescue
85 Veterans Ave.
Brooksville, FL 34601
(352) 540-3840

Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations — The Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations is a law enforcement branch of the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services accredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. The bureau is responsible for conducting fire, arson, and explosives investigations as well as other associated crimes throughout the state, and investigators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On this website, you can request a Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations Report and view the status of your case.


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The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. | Brooksville Arson Lawyer

Were you arrested or do you think that you could be under investigation in Central Florida for an alleged arson offense? Do not make any kind of statement to authorities until you have legal counsel.

Brooksville criminal defense attorney Ashley Aulls of The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. represents clients all over Sumter County, Citrus County, Hernando County, and Pasco County. Call (352) 593-4115 or fill out an online contact form today to set up a consultation that will allow our lawyer to provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case.


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