Florida legal term
Cruelty in Florida Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Florida legislative session
In Florida criminal law, “Cruelty” 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 “Cruelty” mean in Florida criminal law?
“Cruelty” means any act of neglect, torture, or torment that causes unjustifiable pain or suffering of an animal.(e) “Officer” means any law enforcement officer defined in s. 943.10 or any animal control officer.(f) “Citation” means a written notice, issued to a person by an officer, that the officer has probable cause to believe that the person has committed a civil infraction in violation of a duly enacted ordinance and that the county court will hear the charge. (Fla. Stat. § 828.27)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.