Florida legal term
Maliciously in Florida Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Florida legislative session
In Florida criminal law, “Maliciously” 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 “Maliciously” mean in Florida criminal law?
“Maliciously” means wrongfully, intentionally, and without legal justification or excuse. (Fla. Stat. § 827.03)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Abuse, aggravated abuse, and neglect of an elderly person or disabled adult; penalties
- Breaking or injuring fences
- Coin-operated vending machines and parking meters; defined; prohibited acts, penalties
- Criminal mischief; penalties; penalty for minor
- Damaging bank bills
- Defamation
- Destroying or demolishing a memorial or historic property
- Disturbing schools and religious and other assemblies
- Harassment or intimidation based on religious or ethnic heritage
- Impeding circulation
- Injuries to dams
- Injuring railroad structures; driving cattle on tracks
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.