Florida legal term

Computer contaminant in Florida Criminal Law

Current through 2026 Florida legislative session

In Florida criminal law, “Computer contaminant” 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 “Computer contaminant” mean in Florida criminal law?

“Computer contaminant” means any set of computer instructions designed to modify, damage, destroy, record, or transmit information within a computer, computer system, or computer network without the intent or permission of the owner of the information. (Fla. Stat. § 815.03)

Statutes defining or using this term

Fla. Stat. § 815.03

Charges using this term

Offenses against governmental entities
Offenses against intellectual property
Offenses against users of computers, computer systems, computer networks, and electronic devices

Related terms in the same statutes

Knowingly
Authorization
Electronic device
Computer system
Computer network
Authority
Access
Transmit
Services
Program
Officer
Control

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.