Florida legal term
Shelter in Florida Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Florida legislative session
In Florida criminal law, “Shelter” 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 “Shelter” mean in Florida criminal law?
“Shelter” means a department-approved shelter facility for the temporary care of runaway children; for children placed for voluntary shelter respite upon request of the child or the child’s parent, legal guardian, or custodian; or for placement of a child who has been adjudicated a child in need of services or who has been found in contempt of court under s. 984.09. (Fla. Stat. § 984.03)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Abuse, aggravated abuse, and neglect of a child; penalties
- Confinement of animals without sufficient food, water, or exercise; abandonment of animals
- Euthanasia of dogs and cats
- Exploitation of a person 65 years of age or older
- Interference with custody
- Keeping gambling houses, etc
- Sheltering unmarried minors; aiding unmarried minor runaways; violations
- Unlawful desertion of a child
- Willful and malicious neglect of a juvenile offender prohibited; reporting required; penalties
- Cruelty to animals
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.