800.101 Offenses against students by authority figures.

340 words·~2 min read·/fl/title-xlvi/chapter-800/800-101

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(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, including school resource officers as provided in s. 1006.12 .

(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 a facility dedicated exclusively to the education of adults.

(c)“Student” means a person who is enrolled at a school.

(2)An authority figure shall not solicit or engage in:

(a)Sexual conduct;

(b)A relationship of a romantic nature; or

(c)Lewd conduct

with a student.

(3)A person who violates subsection

(2)commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 , s. 775.083 , or s. 775.084 .

(4)Subsection

(2)does not apply to conduct constituting an offense that is subject to reclassification under s. 775.0862 .

(5)(a) A person who is required to report a violation of subsection

(2)and who knowingly or willfully fails to do so, or who knowingly or willfully prevents another person from doing so, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083 .

(b)A person who knowingly or willfully submits false, inaccurate, or incomplete information while reporting a violation of subsection

(2)commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083 .

(c)A person who knowingly or willfully coerces or threatens another person with the intent to alter his or her testimony or written report regarding a violation of subsection

(2)commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083 .