Fla. Stat. § 90.404 — Character evidence; when admissible

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(1) CHARACTER EVIDENCE GENERALLY.—Evidence of a person’s character or a trait of character is inadmissible to prove action in conformity with it on a particular occasion, except:

  1. (a) Character of accused.—Evidence of a pertinent trait of character offered by an accused, or by the prosecution to rebut the trait.
  2. (b) Character of victim.—
    1. 1. Except as provided in s. 794.022, evidence of a pertinent trait of character of the victim of the crime offered by an accused, or by the prosecution to rebut the trait; or
    2. 2. Evidence of a character trait of peacefulness of the victim offered by the prosecution in a homicide case to rebut evidence that the victim was the aggressor.
  3. (c) Character of witness.—Evidence of the character of a witness, as provided in ss. 90.608-90.610.

(2) OTHER CRIMES, WRONGS, OR ACTS.—

  1. (a) Similar fact evidence (commonly known as “Williams rule” evidence) is admissible when relevant to prove a material fact in issue, including, but not limited to, proof of motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or accident, but it is inadmissible when the evidence is relevant solely to prove bad character or propensity.
  2. (b)1. In a criminal case in which the defendant is charged with a crime involving child molestation, evidence of the defendant’s commission of other crimes, wrongs, or acts of child molestation is admissible and may be considered for its bearing on any matter to which it is relevant.
  3. 2. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term “child molestation” means conduct proscribed by s. 787.025(2)(c), s. 787.06(3)(g), former s. 787.06(3)(h), s. 794.011, excluding s. 794.011(10), s. 794.05, former s. 796.03, former s. 796.035, s. 800.04, s. 827.071, s. 847.0135(5), s. 847.0145, or s. 985.701(1) when committed against a person 16 years of age or younger.
  4. (c)1. In a criminal case in which the defendant is charged with a sexual offense, evidence of the defendant’s commission of other crimes, wrongs, or acts involving a sexual offense is admissible and may be considered for its bearing on any matter to which it is relevant.
  5. 2. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term “sexual offense” means conduct proscribed by s. 787.025(2)(c), s. 787.06(3)(b), (d), (f), or (g), former s. 787.06(3)(h), s. 794.011, excluding s. 794.011(10), s. 794.05, former s. 796.03, former s. 796.035, s. 825.1025(2)(b), s. 827.071, s. 847.0135(5), s. 847.0145, or s. 985.701(1).
  6. (d)1. When the state in a criminal action intends to offer evidence of other criminal offenses under paragraph (a), paragraph (b), or paragraph (c), no fewer than 10 days before trial, the state shall furnish to the defendant or to the defendant’s counsel a written statement of the acts or offenses it intends to offer, describing them with the particularity required of an indictment or information. No notice is required for evidence of offenses used for impeachment or on rebuttal.
  7. 2. When the evidence is admitted, the court shall, if requested, charge the jury on the limited purpose for which the evidence is received and is to be considered. After the close of the evidence, the jury shall be instructed on the limited purpose for which the evidence was received and that the defendant cannot be convicted for a charge not included in the indictment or information.

(3) Nothing in this section affects the admissibility of evidence under s. 90.610.

The "Propensity" Ban: This is a crucial rule that governs when character can be discussed in court. The fundamental principle is that you cannot use evidence of a person's general character to prove that they likely acted in conformity with that character during the specific event at issue. For example, the prosecution cannot argue, "The defendant is a known liar, therefore he probably lied in this business deal."

(1) Exceptions for Character Evidence:

  • Character of the Accused: In a criminal case, the defendant is allowed to "open the door" by presenting evidence of their own good character (e.g., a reputation for being peaceful). If they do, the prosecution can then introduce evidence to rebut it.
  • Character of the Victim: An accused person can offer evidence of a victim's pertinent character trait (e.g., a reputation for violence in a self-defense case). The prosecution can then rebut this.
  • Character of a Witness: Evidence about a witness's character for truthfulness is handled by separate, specific rules (§§ 90.608-90.610).

(2) The "Williams Rule" (Similar Fact Evidence):

This is Florida's version of the federal rule on "prior bad acts." It holds that evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts is inadmissible if it is solely offered to prove that the person has bad character and acted that way this time. However, this evidence is admissible if it is used to prove a separate, material issue, such as:

  • Motive
  • Opportunity
  • Intent
  • Preparation or Plan
  • Knowledge
  • Identity (e.g., the prior crime was committed using a uniquely similar method)
  • Absence of Mistake or Accident

In criminal cases, the prosecution must give the defense advance written notice if they intend to use this type of evidence.

§ 90.403 § 90.405
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