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Florida legal term

In need of care and treatment in Florida Criminal Law

Current through 2026 Florida legislative session

In Florida criminal law, “In need of care and treatment” 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 need of care and treatment” mean in Florida criminal law?

“In need of care and treatment” means that an inmate has a mental illness for which inpatient services in a mental health treatment facility are necessary and because of the mental illness:(a) But for being isolated in a more restrictive and secure housing environment:1. (Fla. Stat. § 945.42)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.