Mandated reporters must generate a report with the Florida Abuse Hotline when they are made aware of or have firsthand knowledge of possible abuse or neglect. Professionally mandated reporters include all types of health professionals, all those working in an educational/daycare setting, all those working in the criminal justice system, law enforcement, and social workers.

In the state of Florida, everyone is a mandatory reporter. The law states that any person who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is abused, neglected, or abandoned by a parent, legal custodian, caregiver, or other person responsible for the child’s welfare shall immediately report such knowledge. There are Hotline counselors available to take a report 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. See Chapter 39.201 for specific information and requirements.

There are four ways to make a report:

1. Telephone 1-800-96 ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
2. TTY 711 or 1-800-955-8771
3. Fax 1-800-914-0004

Via fax, please send a detailed written report with your name and contact telephone or FAX contact information using the Florida Abuse Hotline’s fax reporting form.

4. Online Reporting through the secure Florida Abuse Hotline Reporter Portal.

Web and fax reporting should not be used for situations requiring immediate attention. The Department of Children and Families’ preferred option to report abuse is for you to call 1-800-96-ABUSE and talk to a Hotline counselor. This option must be used in all cases of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation that involve emergency or critical situations. If your concerns meet the definition of an emergency: FIRST, call 911 or your local law enforcement agency. SECOND, contact the Florida Abuse Hotline.

Be prepared to provide the following information:

• Reporter name (required for professionally mandated reporters).
• Victim name, possible responsible person, or alleged perpetrator name(s). 
• Complete addresses for subjects, including a numbered street address, apartment or lot number, city, state, and zip code and/or directions to their location.
• Telephone numbers, including area code.
• Estimated or actual dates of birth.
• Social Security numbers, if available.
• A brief, yet concise, description of the abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation, including physical, mental, or sexual injuries, if any.
• Names of other residents and their relationship to the victim(s), if available.
• A brief description of the victim’s disability.
• The relationship of the alleged perpetrator to the victim.