Florida legal term
In custody in Florida Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Florida legislative session
In Florida criminal law, “In custody” 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 “In custody” mean in Florida criminal law?
“In custody” means any time while a person has been placed in handcuffs by a law enforcement officer, regardless of whether such person is under formal arrest.(b) “Handcuff key” means any key, tool, device, implement, or other thing used, designed, or intended to aid in unlocking or removing handcuffs.(c) “Concealed handcuff key” means any handcuff key carried by a person in a manner that indicates an intent to prevent discovery of the key by a law enforcement officer, including, but not limited to, a handcuff key carried:1. (Fla. Stat. § 843.021)
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.