Specifically : a false published statement that injures an individual's reputation (as in business) or otherwise exposes him or her to public contempt. b. : the publication of such a libel. c. : the crime or tort of publishing a libel see also single publication rule, New York Times Co.
Although libel or defamation is now primarily a civil claim, it once was primarily a criminal offense, prosecuted by the government and punishable by imprisonment or a fine.
§ 768.73(1)(a) (2025).) Because defamation per se causes obvious reputational harm, in some cases Florida law might award you "presumed" damages. Presumed damages typically are nominal—$1 or $100, for instance—and can be awarded even if you can't prove any economic or noneconomic losses.
For traditional libel under the Revised Penal Code, the penalty is imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to four years and two months, along with a fine.
Associated Press's definition of libel: Any accusation that a member of society has violated common standards of ethical behavior can lead to a libel suit. In short, libel is publication of false information about a person that causes injury to that person's reputation.
Currently, there are 13 states that have criminal libel laws on the books that can still be enforced. Still, prosecution for this crime is extremely rare, and jail time being handed down is even rarer.
Examples of potentially libelous statements include: a social media post spreading a false rumor about a person having a sexually transmitted infection. a Yelp review that falsely claims the reviewer got food poisoning at a restaurant.
Defamation is a false statement that harms someone's reputation. In Florida, as in most jurisdictions, defamation is divided into two categories: libel and slander. Libel refers to written or published defamation, while slander is spoken defamation.
Associated Press's definition of libel: Any accusation that a member of society has violated common standards of ethical behavior can lead to a libel suit. In short, libel is publication of false information about a person that causes injury to that person's reputation.
To prove prima facie defamation, a plaintiff must show four things: 1) a false statement purporting to be fact; 2) publication or communication of that statement to a third person; 3) fault amounting to at least negligence ; and 4) damages , or some harm caused to the reputation of the person or entity who is the ...