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Florida legal term

Natural disaster in Florida Criminal Law

Current through 2026 Florida legislative session

In Florida criminal law, “Natural disaster” 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 “Natural disaster” mean in Florida criminal law?

“Natural disaster” means a situation in which a hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado warning has been issued for a municipality or a county by the National Weather Service, or the municipality or county is under a mandatory or voluntary evacuation order.(c) “Owner” includes any owner, custodian, or other person in charge of an animal.(d) “Restrain” means to attach a dog to a stationary object or trolley system by way of a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device. (Fla. Stat. § 828.13)

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.