What is the penalty for harassment in Florida?
The Penalties for Stalking in Florida Stalking constitutes a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida, which carries with it a potential prison term of up to one year, one year of probation, and a $1,000 monetary fine. The offender will also be subject to a ten-year injunction, also known as a restraining order.
Is harassment a crime in Florida?
Florida law does not recognize “harassment” and “stalking” as two separate crimes. Rather, the state lists “stalking” as a crime, while categorizing “harassment” as an activity that could lead to an arrest and/ or conviction for stalking, as codified in F.S. 748.048.
Can you go to jail for harassment in Florida?
Under Florida law, if you willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follow, harass, or cyberstalk another person, you can be charged with stalking. Aggravated stalking is considered a 3rd degree felony and is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching $10,000.
How do I charge someone with harassment?
Harassment is charged when an individual is believed to purposely act to criminally harass, annoy or alarm their victim. This includes “virtual” actions such as cyberstalking and cyber-crime. A defendant is guilty of harassment in the first degree when they intentionally and repeatedly harass another person.
How do I report harassment in Florida?
Report a complaint to any supervisor within your agency. Report a complaint to the appropriate person or office designated by your agency to receive complaints of sexual harassment. Report a complaint to the Florida Commission on Human Relations within 365 calendar days of the alleged incident.
How do I prove harassment in Florida?
In Florida, the legal definition of stalking is willful, malicious, and repeated following, harassing, or cyberstalking another person. The stalking has to (1) be directed at a specific person; (2) cause that person substantial emotional distress; AND (3) not serve any legitimate purpose.
How serious are harassment charges?
A harassment charge means that there is a possibility of a criminal record or jail time. Harassment can also include the violation of a restraining order or stalking. These charges are usually misdemeanor level offenses, which means that they can result in jail time of one to two years.
Is verbal harassment a crime in Florida?
Verbal threats are typically charged under the Florida “Assault” statute, which is Florida Statute 784.011. Assault is a second degree misdemeanor punishable by up to a maximum of 60 days in jail.