Florida legal term

Forcible felony in Florida Criminal Law

Current through 2026 Florida legislative session

In Florida criminal law, “Forcible felony” 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 “Forcible felony” mean in Florida criminal law?

“Forcible felony” means treason; murder; manslaughter; sexual battery; carjacking; home-invasion robbery; robbery; burglary; arson; kidnapping; aggravated assault; aggravated battery; aggravated stalking; aircraft piracy; unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb; and any other felony which involves the use or threat of physical force or violence against any individual. (Fla. Stat. § 776.08)

Statutes defining or using this term

Fla. Stat. § 907.041
Fla. Stat. § 776.08

Charges using this term

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
Burglary
Illegal reentry of an adult unauthorized alien
Prison diversion program

Related terms in the same statutes

Defendant
Minor
Program
Crime
Rules
Child
Possession
Enter
Imprisonment
Sexual battery
Weapon
Burglary

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.