⚖️ Florida Criminal Sanctions: Misdemeanor and Felony Penalties
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Florida, understanding the potential penalties is essential. Florida law divides crimes into misdemeanors and felonies, each with varying degrees of severity, maximum sentences, and applicable statutes of limitations.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about Florida criminal sanctions.
🟩 Misdemeanor Penalties in Florida
➤ Second-Degree Misdemeanor
➤ First-Degree Misdemeanor
- Maximum Penalty: 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine
- Examples: Theft of $100–$749
- Legal Reference: Fla. Stat. §§ 775.082, 775.083
⏳ Misdemeanor Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is how long the State has to begin criminal prosecution after the offense is committed.
- First-degree misdemeanor: 2 years
- Second-degree misdemeanor: 1 year
- Legal Reference: Fla. Stat. § 775.15
➤ First-Degree Misdemeanor
- Maximum Penalty: 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine
- Examples: Theft of $100–$749
- Legal Reference: Fla. Stat. §§ 775.082, 775.083
🟥 Felony Penalties in Florida
➤ Third-Degree Felony
- Maximum Penalty: 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine
- Examples: Grand Theft Auto, Possession of Cocaine
- Default Classification: If no degree is stated, felonies default to third-degree
- Legal Reference: Fla. Stat. §§ 775.082, 775.083
➤ Second-Degree Felony
- Maximum Penalty: 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
- Example: Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon
- Legal Reference: Fla. Stat. §§ 775.082, 775.083
➤ First-Degree Felony
- Maximum Penalty: 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
- Example: Robbery with a Weapon
- Legal Reference: Fla. Stat. §§ 775.082, 775.083
⚫ Life and Capital Felonies
➤ Life Felony
- Penalty: Life in prison and up to a $15,000 fine
- Example: Armed sexual battery or kidnapping involving a child
➤ Capital Felony
- Penalty: Death or life imprisonment without parole
- Example: First-degree murder
- Legal Reference: Fla. Stat. §§ 775.082, 775.083
🛡️ Facing Criminal Charges in Florida?
➤ Life Felony
Understanding Florida’s criminal sanctions is the first step—protecting your rights is the next. At Michael White, P.A., we represent clients across Fort Lauderdale and South Florida, from misdemeanor charges to serious felony cases.
📲 Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule your free consultation to discuss your case.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions: Florida Criminal Sanctions
Q1: What’s the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Florida?
A: Misdemeanors are less serious crimes punishable by up to one year in jail, while felonies carry penalties ranging from over a year in prison to life imprisonment or even death.
Q2: What is a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida?
A: A second-degree misdemeanor is the least severe misdemeanor charge. It carries a penalty of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Petit theft under $100 is one example.
Q3: How long does Florida have to prosecute a misdemeanor?
A:Florida has a 1-year statute of limitations for second-degree misdemeanors and 2 years for first-degree misdemeanors, starting from the date of the offense.
Q4: What are some examples of third-degree felonies in Florida?
A: Common third-degree felonies include grand theft, possession of cocaine, and burglary of an unoccupied structure. These are punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Q5: Can a first-degree felony result in life in prison?
A: Usually, a first-degree felony carries up to 30 years in prison, but certain enhanced offenses—such as armed robbery—can qualify for life imprisonment.