Florida legal term
Living fetus in Florida Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Florida legislative session
In Florida criminal law, “Living fetus” 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 “Living fetus” mean in Florida criminal law?
“Living fetus” means any unborn member of the human species who has a heartbeat or discernible spontaneous movement. (Fla. Stat. § 782.32)
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.