Florida § 800.101 - Offenses against students by authority figures.

§ 800.101. Offenses against students by authority figures.

(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.