Florida legal term
Harass in Florida Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Florida legislative session
In Florida criminal law, “Harass” 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 “Harass” mean in Florida criminal law?
“Harass” means to engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person which causes substantial emotional distress to that person and serves no legitimate purpose.(b) “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, which evidences a continuity of purpose. (Fla. Stat. § 784.048)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Battery of facility employee by throwing, tossing, or expelling certain fluids or materials
- Criminal actions under color of law or through use of simulated legal process
- Electronic communication
- Fighting or baiting animals; offenses; penalties
- Harassment or intimidation based on religious or ethnic heritage
- Prohibition of registration of firearms; electronic records
- Residential picketing
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.