Florida statute
Fla. Stat. § 836.04 — Defamation
Current through 2025 Florida Statutes
Part of Chapter 836: Defamation; Libel; Threatening Letters and Similar Offenses, Florida Statutes.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Fla. Stat. § 836.04
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.
Whoever speaks of and concerning any woman, married or unmarried, falsely and maliciously imputing to her a want of chastity, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is defamation a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
Defamation is a Misdemeanor of the First Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 836.04.
Which Florida statute covers defamation?
Defamation is governed by Fla. Stat. § 836.04 (Defamation).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.