Disciplining A Child
Fla. Stat. 39.01 — corporal discipline that does not harm the child is not in itself abuse
In Florida, the dependency chapter defines abuse of a child, and the definition says corporal discipline of a child by a parent or legal custodian for disciplinary purposes does not in itself constitute abuse when it does not result in harm to the child.
Harm is the hinge. The exclusion holds only where the discipline does not result in harm to the child. Abuse of a child includes acts or omissions.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionCorporal discipline is abuse in Florida | What the law actually doesNot in itself, when it is for disciplinary purposes and does not result in harm |
| The assumptionA parent's purpose settles it | What the law actually doesThe exclusion ends where the discipline results in harm to the child |
Whether particular discipline crossed the line is decided on the facts of the case, and what happens when child protective services opens an investigation is a separate question. A licensed Florida attorney reads a specific situation.
Sources for this section (1)
- Fla. Stat. 39.01 — Definitions
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Florida attorney.