Florida § 61.538 - Role of state attorney.
Full text of Florida Florida Statutes § 61.538 — Role of state attorney., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 61.538. Role of state attorney.
(1) In a case arising under this part or involving the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the state attorney may take any lawful action, including resort to a proceeding under ss. 61.524-61.540 or any other available civil proceeding, to locate a child, obtain the return of a child, or enforce a child custody determination, if there is: (a) An existing child custody determination; (b) A request to do so from a court in a pending child custody proceeding; (c) A reasonable belief that a criminal statute has been violated; or (d) A reasonable belief that the child has been wrongfully removed or retained in violation of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. (2) A state attorney acting under this section acts on behalf of the court and may not represent any party.
Source: official Florida text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida § 61.538
What does Florida Statutes § 61.538 cover?
Section 61.538 ("Role of state attorney.") is part of the Florida Statutes, the codified statutory law of Florida. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Florida § 61.538?
A common citation format is "Florida Statutes § 61.538" (Florida). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Florida law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Florida official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Florida attorney.
How does Florida § 61.538 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Florida can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Florida.