Florida legal term
Public servant in Florida Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Florida legislative session
In Florida criminal law, “Public servant” 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 servant” mean in Florida criminal law?
“Public servant” means:(a) Any officer or employee of a governmental entity, including any executive, legislative, or judicial branch officer or employee;(b) Any person, except a witness, who acts as a general or special magistrate, receiver, auditor, arbitrator, umpire, referee, consultant, or hearing officer while performing a governmental function; or(c) A candidate for election or appointment to any of the officer positions listed in this subsection, or an individual who has been elected to, but has yet to officially assume the responsibilities of, public office. (Fla. Stat. § 838.014)
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.