Florida Statute §827.03 | Classification: Third-Degree Felony to Second-Degree Felony
What Is This Charge?
Child neglect in Florida occurs when a caregiver fails to provide the care, supervision, or services necessary to maintain the child’s physical and mental health, and that failure causes harm or a substantial risk of harm.
Penalties & Fines
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Child Neglect without great bodily harm: Third-Degree Felony — up to 5 years, $5,000 fine
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Child Neglect with great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement: Second-Degree Felony — up to 15 years, $10,000 fine
Additional Consequences
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DCF investigation and possible removal of children from the home
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Termination of parental rights
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Placement on the Florida Child Abuse Registry
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Loss of professional licenses
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Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Possible Defenses
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The failure was not willful — it resulted from poverty, lack of resources, or circumstances beyond your control
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The child was not actually at risk of harm
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The circumstances do not meet the legal definition of neglect
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DCF failed to follow proper investigative procedures
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False or exaggerated allegations from a co-parent or third party
Why You Need a Defense Attorney
Child neglect cases are highly fact-specific, and the line between a struggling parent and a neglectful one is not always clear. An attorney can challenge whether the circumstances rose to the level of criminal neglect, present evidence of the steps you took to care for your child, and work to protect both your freedom and your parental rights.
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