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Florida statute

Fla. Stat. § 784.03 — Battery; felony battery

Current through 2025 Florida Statutes

Part of Chapter 784: Assault; Battery; Culpable Negligence, Florida Statutes.

Criminal charges under this statute

Full text of Fla. Stat. § 784.03

Statutory text current through the 2025 Florida Statutes. This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Florida.

Fla. Stat. § 784.03Primary source, current through the 2025 Florida Statutes
(1)(a) The offense of battery occurs when a person:1. Actually and intentionally touches or strikes another person against the will of the other; or2. Intentionally causes bodily harm to another person.(b) Except as provided in subsection (2) or subsection (3), a person who commits battery commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. (2) A person who has one prior conviction for battery, aggravated battery, or felony battery and who commits any second or subsequent battery commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. For purposes of this subsection, “conviction” means a determination of guilt that is the result of a plea or a trial, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld or a plea of nolo contendere is entered. (3) A person who commits a battery in furtherance of a riot or an aggravated riot prohibited under s. 870.01 commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or 775.084.

Official sources

Questions this section answers

Is battery; felony battery a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?

It depends on the circumstances: battery; felony battery ranges from a Misdemeanor of the First Degree to a Felony of the Third Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 784.03.

Battery (simple): Misdemeanor of the First Degree (Fla. Stat. § 784.03(1)(b)) · Felony battery — prior conviction: Felony of the Third Degree (Fla. Stat. § 784.03(2)) · Battery in furtherance of a riot: Felony of the Third Degree (Fla. Stat. § 784.03(3))

Which Florida statute covers battery; felony battery?

Battery; felony battery is governed by Fla. Stat. § 784.03 (Battery; felony battery).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.