Resisting Officer Without Violence
Resisting, obstructing, or opposing a legally authorized officer without offering or doing violence.
Florida Statute
§ 843.02
Resisting officer without violence
Verified against the 2026 Florida Statutes: September 13, 2026
Quick Summary
This is the nonviolent resisting track; distinguish it from section 843.01.
Classification Matrix
Use this as a quick classification reference. Specific facts, statutory circumstances, and charging allegations may affect the applicable result.
Resisting Without Violence
F.S. § 843.02
Nonviolent resistance, obstruction, or opposition during lawful execution of a legal duty.
Elements of the Offense
Elements of the Offense
Elements marked AND are cumulative. Elements marked OR identify statutory alternatives; one applicable alternative must be established when that theory is charged. Conditional elements apply only to the identified statutory track.
- Element 1AND — Required
Required Facts
The defendant resisted, obstructed, or opposed a law enforcement officer or other person described by the statute.
Plain language: Identify the legally authorized person and obstructive conduct.
- Element 2AND — Required
Required Facts
The person was executing legal process or lawfully executing a legal duty and the resistance was without violence.
Plain language: Document lawful-duty status and the absence of violence.
Jury Instructions
Jury Instructions
Instruction 21.2
Resisting Officer Without Violence
Florida Standard Jury Instruction for F.S. § 843.02.
View Official InstructionVerified against the official instruction source: September 13, 2026
Additional Notes
Additional Notes
Important
Record the legal duty or process, the officer's identity and authority, and the specific nonviolent obstructive conduct.