Definitions. — Florida Code § 705.101

Florida Code § 705.101 — Definitions.. Reproduced from the official Florida Statutes, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 705.101. Definitions.

As used in this chapter: (1) “Abandoned property” means all tangible personal property that does not have an identifiable owner and that has been disposed on public property in a wrecked, inoperative, or partially dismantled condition or has no apparent intrinsic value to the rightful owner. The term includes derelict vessels as defined in s. 823.11 and vessels declared a public nuisance pursuant to s. 327.73(1)(aa). (2) “Law enforcement officer” means any person who is elected, appointed, or employed full time by any sheriff, any municipality, or the state or any political subdivision thereof; who is vested with authority to bear arms and make arrests; and whose primary responsibility is the prevention and detection of crime or the enforcement of the penal, criminal, traffic, or highway laws of the state. This definition includes all certified supervisory and command personnel whose duties include, in whole or in part, the supervision, training, guidance, and management responsibilities of full-time law enforcement officers or auxiliary law enforcement officers but does not include support personnel employed by the employing agency. (3) “Local government” means the board of county commissioners of a county or the commission or council of any municipality in the county. (4) “Lost property” means all tangible personal property which does not have an identifiable owner and which has been mislaid on public property, upon a public conveyance, on premises used at the time for business purposes, or in parks, places of amusement, public recreation areas, or other places open to the public in a substantially operable, functioning condition or which has an apparent intrinsic value to the rightful owner. (5) “Public property” means lands and improvements owned by the Federal Government, the state, the county, or a municipality and includes sovereignty submerged lands located adjacent to the county or municipality, buildings, grounds, parks, playgrounds, streets, sidewalks, parkways, rights-of-way, and other similar property. (6) “Unclaimed evidence” means any tangible personal property, including cash, not included within the definition of “contraband article,” as provided in s. 932.701(2), which was seized by a law enforcement agency, was intended for use in a criminal or quasi-criminal proceeding, and is retained by the law enforcement agency or the clerk of the county or circuit court for 60 days after the final disposition of the proceeding and to which no claim of ownership has been made.

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

At a glance

  • Citation: Florida Statutes § 705.101
  • Jurisdiction: Florida
  • Code: Florida Statutes
  • Subject: Definitions.
  • Text: transcribed from the official source (verify below)

Verify the text

Statute text is transcribed from the official Florida Statutes. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed Florida attorney.

Common questions

What is the source of Florida Statutes § 705.101?

The text above is transcribed from the Florida Statutes, the codified statutes of Florida. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.

What subject does Florida Statutes § 705.101 address?

It addresses "Definitions.". Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.

Is Florida Statutes § 705.101 still in force?

Statutes are amended, repealed, and renumbered every session. Confirm the current version at the official Florida source before relying on this text.

Can this page be used as legal advice?

No. This is a reference transcription for research. Applying Florida law to your facts requires a licensed Florida attorney who can review the specifics.