Florida legal term
Emergency in Florida Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Florida legislative session
In Florida criminal law, “Emergency” 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 “Emergency” mean in Florida criminal law?
“Emergency” means an unforeseen combination of circumstances which results in a situation that requires immediate attention to care for or prevent serious bodily injury, loss of life, or significant property loss. (Fla. Stat. § 877.21)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Carrying of concealed weapons or concealed firearms
- Crashes involving damage to vehicle or property
- Derelict and migrant vessels; relocation or removal; penalty
- Distribution of controlled substances resulting in overdose or serious bodily injury
- Dogs and cats transported or offered for sale; health requirements; consumer guarantee
- Euthanasia of dogs and cats
- False reports of commission of crimes; penalty
- Fraudulently obtaining goods or services from a health care provider; false reports of a communicable disease
- General prohibition on pen register and trap and trace device use; exception
- Human trafficking public awareness signs
- Prohibited acts; penalties
- Theft
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.