Florida § 784.078 - Battery of facility employee by throwing, tossing, or expelling certain fluids or materials.

Full text of Florida Florida Statutes § 784.078 — Battery of facility employee by throwing, tossing, or expelling certain fluids or materials., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 784.078. Battery of facility employee by throwing, tossing, or expelling certain fluids or materials.

(1) As used in this section, the term “facility” means a state correctional institution defined in s. 944.02(8); a contractor-operated correctional facility defined in s. 944.710 or under chapter 957; a county, municipal, or regional jail or other detention facility of local government under chapter 950 or chapter 951; or a secure facility operated and maintained by the Department of Corrections or the Department of Juvenile Justice. (2)(a) As used in this section, the term “employee” includes any person employed by or performing contractual services for a public or private entity operating a facility or any person employed by or performing contractual services for the corporation operating the prison industry enhancement programs or the correctional work programs, pursuant to part II of chapter 946. (b) “Employee” includes any person who is a parole examiner with the Florida Commission on Offender Review. (3)(a) It is unlawful for any person, while being detained in a facility and with intent to harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm a person in a facility whom he or she knows or reasonably should know to be an employee of such facility, to cause or attempt to cause such employee to come into contact with blood, masticated food, regurgitated food, saliva, seminal fluid, or urine or feces, whether by throwing, tossing, or expelling such fluid or material. (b) Any person who violates paragraph (a) commits battery of a facility employee, a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

Source: official Florida text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida § 784.078

What does Florida Statutes § 784.078 cover?

Section 784.078 ("Battery of facility employee by throwing, tossing, or expelling certain fluids or materials.") 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 § 784.078?

A common citation format is "Florida Statutes § 784.078" (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 § 784.078 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.