{"id":372552,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:54","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/florida-law\/florida-domestic-violence-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-12-08T08:48:06","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T13:48:06","slug":"florida-domestic-violence-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/florida-law\/florida-domestic-violence-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Florida Domestic Violence Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Florida Domestic Violence Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/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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Florida<\/span> domestic violence<\/span> laws<\/span> define domestic violence<\/span> as certain criminal offenses<\/span> like assault, battery, sexual assault<\/span>, stalking, kidnapping, and false imprisonment<\/span>, that result in physical injury<\/span> or death between family or household members<\/span> under Florida<\/span> Statutes<\/span>. Domestic violence<\/span> charges<\/span> can lead to restraining orders<\/span>, mandatory jail or prison time, probation, batterers\u2019 intervention programs<\/span>, firearm restrictions, and long-term consequences in criminal records, child custody<\/span>, and immigration status.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Understanding what domestic violence<\/span> is goes a long way toward dealing with it. When you need help to escape a bad situation, sometimes the first step is the most difficult one to take. We’re here to help. This article explains how Florida<\/span> defines domestic violence<\/span><\/a>. It also covers the protections and programs available, as well as key legal aspects you should be aware of.<\/p>\n

Everyone deserves an abuse-free life. Read on to learn about how to make that possible.<\/p>\n

Florida<\/span> Domestic Violence<\/span> Laws<\/span>: What Is Domestic Violence<\/span>?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Domestic Violence<\/span> in Florida<\/span>: Criminal Acts<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There are two elements required for a domestic violence<\/span> offense. The first is the type of crime committed. Domestic abuse<\/span> is a crime of control and power<\/a>. The abuser employs different types of abusive acts<\/a> intended to keep the victim feeling powerless and helpless. This includes, but is not limited to, physical abuse and intimidation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Florida<\/span>, like many states, has categories for domestic violence<\/span> crimes. However, it also specifies particular offenses. The following make up one required element for a domestic violence<\/span> classification<\/a>:<\/p>\n

Home is where the heart is, but it’s also where almost all domestic violence<\/span><\/a> is found as well. To classify a crime as domestic violence<\/span>, specific relationship and abuse criteria must be met. The best way to learn them is to jump right in, so let’s get started.<\/p>\n