Yes — methamphetamine possession is a felony in Florida.
Even a small baggie or pipe residue can get you charged with a third-degree felony under Fla. Stat. § 893.13(6)(a). And prosecutors in South Florida take these cases seriously.
Penalties include:
Up to 5 years in prison
Up to 5 years probation
A $5,000 fine
Mandatory 6-month driver’s license suspension
You don’t have to be manufacturing or selling — just possessing meth is enough to trigger serious consequences.
📦 What Counts as Possession?
Florida law recognizes two types of drug possession:
Actual possession: You had the meth on your person — in your pocket, bra, wallet, etc.
Constructive possession: It wasn’t on you, but it was in a place you controlled, and you knew it was there.
In constructive possession cases — like meth in a shared car or hotel room — the State must prove both control and knowledge.
🛑 Can You Fight a Meth Possession Charge?
Absolutely. Meth charges are often beatable with the right defense strategy. We look for:
Unlawful stop or search
Lack of control or knowledge of the substance
Testing or lab issues
Possession of paraphernalia but not actual meth
Other people present in shared spaces
👉 If your case involves multiple substances, check out our post on prescription pill possession in Florida to see how we fight those too.
💡 What If This Is My First Offense?
You may qualify for:
Drug Court
A plea to misdemeanor paraphernalia
Withhold of adjudication (making you eligible for record sealing)
We’ve helped many first-time meth defendants avoid both jail and conviction.
🧯 Why a Felony Meth Conviction Hurts — Even Without Jail
Even if you don’t serve prison time, a felony meth possession conviction can:
Show up on every background check
Disqualify you from many jobs or housing
Trigger immigration consequences
Strip civil rights (gun ownership, voting)
Bar you from sealing or expunging the record
That’s why our goal is usually dismissal, diversion, or a non-felony plea.
🛡️ Fort Lauderdale Meth Possession Defense Lawyer
At Michael White, P.A., we’ve defended clients across South Florida accused of methamphetamine possession, as well as possession of any illegal drugs. Whether the evidence is weak, the search was illegal, or you just need a second chance — we can help.
📞 Call for a Free Case Review
(954) 270-0769
📨 Orcontact us online now.
💥 Frequently Asked Questions About Meth Possession Charges in Florida
⚖️ Is meth possession a felony in Florida?
Yes. Possession of methamphetamine is a third-degree felony under Florida Statute § 893.13(6)(a), punishable by up to 5 years in prison, fines, and license suspension.
🚓 Can I be arrested for meth residue or a used pipe?
Yes. Even a trace amount of meth or residue on paraphernalia can result in felony charges. Florida law does not require a minimum weight to prosecute.
🧠 What if the meth wasn’t mine?
You can still be charged under a constructive possession theory. The State must prove you had both control over the space and knowledge of the meth.
🧪 Do police have to test the substance to charge me?
Yes. The State must prove the substance is actually meth, usually through FDLE lab testing. Testing delays, errors, or missing documentation can weaken the case.
🔒 Can I seal or expunge a meth charge?
Only if you avoid a conviction. If you complete PTI or receive a withhold of adjudication, you may be eligible to seal the record. A guilty conviction cannot be sealed or expunged.