Florida § 787.01 - Kidnapping; kidnapping of child under age 13, aggravating circumstances.

Full text of Florida Florida Statutes § 787.01 — Kidnapping; kidnapping of child under age 13, aggravating circumstances., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 787.01. Kidnapping; kidnapping of child under age 13, aggravating circumstances.

(1)(a) The term “kidnapping” means forcibly, secretly, or by threat confining, abducting, or imprisoning another person against her or his will and without lawful authority, with intent to: 1. Hold for ransom or reward or as a shield or hostage. 2. Commit or facilitate commission of any felony. 3. Inflict bodily harm upon or to terrorize the victim or another person. 4. Interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function. (b) Confinement of a child under the age of 13 is against her or his will within the meaning of this subsection if such confinement is without the consent of her or his parent or legal guardian. (2) A person who kidnaps a person is guilty of a felony of the first degree, punishable by imprisonment for a term of years not exceeding life or as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (3)(a) A person who commits the offense of kidnapping upon a child under the age of 13 and who, in the course of committing the offense, commits one or more of the following: 1. Aggravated child abuse, as defined in s. 827.03; 2. Sexual battery, as defined in chapter 794, against the child; 3. Lewd or lascivious battery, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious conduct, or lewd or lascivious exhibition, in violation of s. 800.04 or s. 847.0135(5); 4. A violation of former s. 796.03 or s. 796.04, relating to prostitution, upon the child; 5. Exploitation of the child or allowing the child to be exploited, in violation of s. 450.151; or 6. A violation of s. 787.06(3)(g) or (5), relating to human trafficking, commits a life felony, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (b) Pursuant to s. 775.021(4), nothing contained herein shall be construed to prohibit the imposition of separate judgments and sentences for the life felony described in paragraph (a) and for each separate offense enumerated in subparagraphs (a)1.-6.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida § 787.01

What does Florida Statutes § 787.01 cover?

Section 787.01 ("Kidnapping; kidnapping of child under age 13, aggravating circumstances.") 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 § 787.01?

A common citation format is "Florida Statutes § 787.01" (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 § 787.01 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.