Florida legal term
Public place in Florida Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Florida legislative session
In Florida criminal law, “Public place” 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 “Public place” mean in Florida criminal law?
“Public place” means a place to which the public has access, including, but not limited to, streets, highways, public parks, and the common areas of schools, hospitals, apartment houses, office buildings, transportation facilities, and shops. (Fla. Stat. § 877.21)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Affrays and riots
- Confinement of animals without sufficient food, water, or exercise; abandonment of animals
- Discharging firearm in public or on residential property
- Disorderly intoxication
- Imitation controlled substances defined; possession and distribution prohibited
- Safe storage of firearms required
- Discharging machine guns; penalty
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.