Fla. Stat. § 90.401 — Definition of relevant evidence

The Gateway for All Evidence: This is the foundational test that all evidence must pass to be considered for admission in a Florida court. For evidence to be relevant, it must satisfy two essential components:

1. Logical Relevance (Probativeness): The evidence must have a tendency to make a fact more or less probable than it would be without the evidence. The standard is very low; the evidence doesn't have to be conclusive, it just has to "move the needle" even slightly in one direction or the other.

2. Materiality: The fact that the evidence helps to prove or disprove must be a "material fact." This means the fact must actually be at issue in the case and relevant to the legal claims or defenses being argued.

Example: In a robbery trial where the robber was seen wearing a red hat, evidence that the defendant owns a red hat is relevant. It passes both tests:

• Logical Relevance: Owning a red hat makes it slightly more probable that the defendant is the robber.

• Materiality: The identity of the robber is a material fact in the case.

Both prongs must be met for evidence to be considered relevant.