What is Hazing in Florida?

May 31, 2024 Don Pumphrey, Jr. College, College Student Disciplinary Hearing, Criminal Defense Social Share

Hazing Charges in Florida, Explained

Hazing in Florida occurs when a person recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to:

• Initiation into any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution
• Admission into any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution
• Affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution; or
• The perpetuation or furtherance of a tradition or ritual of any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.

This charge can be brought if the person intentionally or recklessly commits, solicits a person to commit, or is actively involved in the planning of any act of hazing. Hazing is generally associated with fraternity and sorority initiations at colleges and universities. 

The act of hazing in Florida is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail.

But punishments for hazing may be enhanced. A third-degree felony hazing charge can be brought when:

• Someone intentionally or recklessly commits any act of hazing upon another person who is a member of or an applicant to any type of student organization
• The hazing actually causes serious bodily injury or death to that person

Like standard hazing, felony hazing charges can be brought if someone intentionally or recklessly commits, solicits a person to commit, or is actively involved in the planning of any act of hazing that causes a serious injury or death. A third-degree felony hazing is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Hazing can include physical activities that subject the victim to physical injury or extreme mental stress, such as:

• Physically beating or whipping someone
• Forcing someone to consume alcohol, drugs, or other substances
• Forcible sleep deprivation
• Forced conduct that causes social isolation or extreme embarrassment

Important: Consent of the victim (if they are pledging a fraternity or sorority when the hazing occurs) is not a defense to hazing in Florida.

Hazing Defense Attorney in Tallahassee, Florida

Being arrested for kidnapping in Florida can be extremely stressful. Being charged and “formally charged” by information in Tallahassee, Leon County, Wakulla County, Jefferson County, Gadsden County, Quincy, Crawfordville, Florida State University, Tallahassee Community College, or Florida A&M University can be life changing.  Given the possibility of a lengthy jail or prison sentence and hefty financial penalties, it is important to contact an aggressive, trusted and experienced Tallahassee criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Don Pumphrey, Jr. and the attorneys at Pumphrey Law have decades of experience fighting on behalf of clients and winning. Call Pumphrey Law at (850) 681-7777 to learn more about what we can do for you. Our lawyers will be happy to provide you with a free consultation.

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