{"id":372513,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:54","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/florida-law\/florida-assault-and-battery-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-07-22T16:30:38","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T21:30:38","slug":"florida-assault-and-battery-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/florida-law\/florida-assault-and-battery-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Florida Assault and Battery Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Florida Assault and Battery Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

In Florida<\/span>, assault and battery are distinct criminal offenses defined separately under state law. Assault is a threat that causes someone to fear imminent harm, while battery is unwanted physical contact<\/span> or touching that typically causes bodily injury. Both crimes carry penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies depending on factors like use of weapons, victim’s identity, or prior convictions<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Although\u00a0assault and battery\u00a0are often related crimes and discussed together, the two are different offenses. Florida<\/span> state laws have separate definitions for the two crimes<\/a>. Assault refers to the threat of imminent force. You don’t have to touch them for assault to apply. Battery, on the other hand, is the actual physical contact<\/span>. It can be striking someone or intentionally causing them bodily harm<\/span>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The distinction might seem small, but it affects everything from the charges prosecutors bring to the penalties you could face. If you’re facing assault or battery charges<\/span> in Florida<\/span>, contact a criminal defense attorney<\/span> near you<\/a>. They can explain how these laws apply to your situation and help protect your rights.<\/p>\n

Florida<\/span> Criminal Assault Law<\/h2>\n

Assault<\/a> refers to a threat that causes the victim to fear imminent harm. The key to this crime is instilling fear in the victim. There are certain elements that the prosecution must establish to convict you of assault:<\/p>\n