Florida legal term
Dwelling in Florida Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Florida legislative session
In Florida criminal law, “Dwelling” 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 “Dwelling” mean in Florida criminal law?
“Dwelling” means a building or conveyance of any kind, including any attached porch, whether the building or conveyance is temporary or permanent, mobile or immobile, which has a roof over it, including a tent, and is designed to be occupied by people lodging therein at night.(b) “Residence” means a dwelling in which a person resides either temporarily or permanently or is visiting as an invited guest.(c) “Vehicle” means a conveyance of any kind, whether or not motorized, which is designed to transport people or property. (Fla. Stat. § 776.013)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Agriculture warrants
- Arson
- Criminal mischief; penalties; penalty for minor
- Digital voyeurism
- Discharging firearm in public or on residential property
- Impairing or impeding telephone or power to a dwelling; facilitating or furthering a burglary; penalty
- Open house parties
- Penalties for violating protective injunction against violators
- Place where controlled substances are illegally kept, sold, or used declared a public nuisance
- Residential picketing
- Sexual cyberharassment
- Trespass on property other than structure or conveyance
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.