Florida legal term
Substance abuse in Florida Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Florida legislative session
In Florida criminal law, “Substance abuse” 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 “Substance abuse” mean in Florida criminal law?
“Substance abuse” means using, without medical reason, any psychoactive or mood-altering drug, including alcohol, in such a manner as to induce impairment resulting in dysfunctional social behavior. (Fla. Stat. § 984.03)
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.