Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Florida Statutes Title XLVI. Crimes § 775.0862. Sexual offenses against students by authority figures; reclassification

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(1) As used in this section, the term:

(a) “Authority figure” means a person 18 years of age or older who is employed by, volunteering at, or under contract with a school.

(b) “School” has the same meaning as provided in s. 1003.01 and includes a private school as defined in s. 1002.01, a voluntary prekindergarten education program as described in s. 1002.53(3), early learning programs, a public school as described in s. 402.3025(1), the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, and the Florida Virtual School established under s. 1002.37. The term does not include facilities dedicated exclusively to the education of adults.

(c) “Student” means a person younger than 18 years of age who is enrolled at a school.

(2) The felony degree of a violation of an offense listed in s. 943.0435(1)(h)1.a., unless the offense is a violation of s. 794.011(4)(e)7. or s. 810.145(8)(a)2., shall be reclassified as provided in this section if the offense is committed by an authority figure of a school against a student of the school.

(3)(a) In the case of a felony of the third degree, the offense is reclassified to a felony of the second degree.

(b) In the case of a felony of the second degree, the offense is reclassified to a felony of the first degree.

(c) In the case of a felony of the first degree, the offense is reclassified to a life felony.

For purposes of sentencing under chapter 921 and determining incentive gain-time eligibility under chapter 944, a felony offense that is reclassified under this subsection is ranked one level above the ranking under s. 921.0022 or s. 921.0023 of the offense committed.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Florida Statutes Title XLVI. Crimes § 775.0862. Sexual offenses against students by authority figures; reclassification - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xlvi-crimes/fl-st-sect-775-0862/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard