Florida legal term
Parent in Florida Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Florida legislative session
In Florida criminal law, “Parent” 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 “Parent” mean in Florida criminal law?
“Parent” means a person who has legal custody of a minor as a:(a) Natural or adoptive parent.(b) Legal guardian.(c) Person who stands in loco parentis to the minor.(d) Person who has legal custody of the minor by order of the court. (Fla. Stat. § 877.21)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Abuse, aggravated abuse, and neglect of a child; penalties
- Accessory after the fact
- Action by victim of repeat violence, sexual violence, or dating violence for protective injunction; dating violence investigations, notice to victims, and reporting; pretrial release violations; public records exemption
- Criminal transmission of HIV; procedures; penalties
- Culpable negligence
- Duty to report sexual battery; penalties
- Female genital mutilation
- Furnishing weapons to minors under 18 years of age or persons of unsound mind and furnishing firearms to minors under 18 years of age prohibited
- Inmate release; notification; identification card
- Interference with custody
- Jurisdiction
- Missing children; student records; reporting requirements; penalties
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.