A truant is a student who stays away from school without permission or an explanation. Truancy laws are designed to encourage school attendance by creating simple court procedures through which children are held accountable for excessive school absences. The courts focus on the best interest of the child when addressing the truant conduct of a child.

Truant conduct is usually prosecuted or addressed as a civil (noncriminal) matter, and the definition and procedures for dealing with truancy are usually located in a state's statutes—often in the family code or education code.

In Florida, truancy laws are established to promote regular school attendance and address absenteeism without valid cause. Under Florida Statutes, particularly in the education code, truancy is defined as a student having 15 or more unexcused absences within 90 calendar days. The state's approach to truancy involves both school officials and the judicial system. Schools are required to report habitual truancy to the appropriate district school board. The board may then take action by filing a petition for truancy in juvenile court. Florida law emphasizes early intervention and may involve the child in a truancy diversion program. If the issue persists, the court may find the student to be dependent and take measures that focus on the welfare and best interests of the child, which can include educational services, counseling, or other support. Parents or guardians can also be held accountable for their child's truancy and may face penalties such as fines or required participation in parenting classes or community service.