Florida legal term
Child in Florida Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Florida legislative session
In Florida criminal law, “Child” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Florida criminal code.
What does “Child” mean in Florida criminal law?
“Child” means any person under the age of 18 years. (Fla. Stat. § 827.01)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Abuse, aggravated abuse, and neglect of a child; penalties
- Accessory after the fact
- Action by victim of repeat violence, sexual violence, or dating violence for protective injunction; dating violence investigations, notice to victims, and reporting; pretrial release violations; public records exemption
- Advertising drugs, etc., for abortion
- Attempts, solicitation, and conspiracy
- Battery of child by throwing, tossing, projecting, or expelling certain fluids or materials
- Computer pornography; prohibited computer usage; traveling to meet minor; penalties
- Contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child; penalty
- Culpable negligence
- Desertion; withholding support; proviso
- Duty to report sexual battery; penalties
- Exposing children to an adult live performance
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.