Many people wonder whether the spanking of a child is protected under Florida Law or if it equates to a criminal offense. Generally, parents should refrain from the physical discipline of a child, but it presents an interesting legal question. While each case should be assessed individually, the operative Florida case law establishes that certain behavior is legally protected. The Florida Supreme Court in Raford v. State, 828 So. 2d 1012 (Fla. 2002) has held that "a parent