Fake Guns and Grenades in Fort Myers: Can I Face Charges?
On July 7th, 2026, MySunCoast reported that a “dummy grenade” in Fort Myers had prompted an evacuation order. Photos of the object show that it closely resembled a real hand grenade, and deputies decided to evacuate dozens of homes and an elementary school in the immediate vicinity. Fortunately, the Bomb Squad later determined that it was a fake grenade likely used in military training. What if you were caught with a fake grenade or firearm? Could you face weapons charges in Fort Myers?
A “Hoax Bomb” Can Lead to a Second-Degree Felony Charge
A dummy grenade may constitute a “hoax bomb” under Florida Statutes Section 790.165. This law states that a hoax bomb can be virtually any object that has the design or characteristics of a destructive or explosive device, and a painted dummy grenade fits perfectly into this definition. Even if it has no explosive content, you could face a second-degree felony simply for possessing the object.
You could also face a second-degree felony for selling, mailing, or displaying the object. Even if you “make it accessible to others,” you could face the same charge. For example, you might leave it outside your garage accidentally, allowing a passing teen to pick it up. A second-degree felony can lead to 15 years in prison.
What About Fake Guns?
Fake guns might seem relatively innocent, but they can lead to serious criminal consequences under certain circumstances. Even if you merely exhibit a replica firearm in a careless or reckless manner, you could face a first-degree misdemeanor and up to 1 year in jail.
The most serious penalties are reserved for those who threaten others with replica firearms. In this situation, you may face charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Even though the weapon itself might not have been capable of firing ammunition, this is still enough to place people in fear of imminent violence. As a result, you could face a third-degree felony and up to five years in prison.
What Are Some Defenses to These Charges?
The most obvious strategy is to attack the “intent” element of these crimes. If you never intended to carry out a bomb threat or frighten anyone with your replica firearm, you should be able to avoid criminal consequences. This might have all been a major misunderstanding. Your lawyer can also help you argue that a plastic firearm is not a deadly weapon, potentially helping you reduce your charges.
Can a Fort Myers Firearms Defense Lawyer Help Me?
Although it might seem ridiculous, you can actually face a wide range of criminal charges for fake guns or grenades in Florida. If you find yourself in this situation, you must take your charges seriously. Consider speaking with an experienced firearms defense lawyer in Fort Myers for further guidance. The Foley & Wilson Law Firm is here to help.
Source:
mysuncoast.com/2026/07/07/dummy-grenade-found-outside-punta-gorda-home-prompts-evacuation-school-shelter-in-place/?outputType=amp