Florida Child Abuse Laws
More Information on Child Abuse Laws
| Code Section | 39.202, 205; 39.201; 39.01(2) |
| What Constitutes Abuse | Willful or threatened act resulting in physical, mental, or sexual injury or harm, causing or likely to cause impairment of physical, mental, or emotional health |
| Mandatory Reporting Required By | Physician, mental health professional, spiritual practitioner, school teacher, social worker, law enforcement officer, judge |
| Basis of Report of Abuse/neglect | One who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect neglect, abuse, or abandonment |
| To Whom Reported | Department of Children and Family Services |
| Penalty for Failure to Report or False Reporting | Misdemeanor in 1st degree; if knowingly made false report: felony in 3rd degree |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
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