💸 What Is Money Laundering in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?
Money laundering is more than just moving “dirty” money around—it’s a serious felony offense under Florida and federal law. The act involves using money derived from criminal activity in a financial transaction, especially if the goal is to conceal the money’s illegal source.
If you’re being investigated or have been charged with money laundering in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney right away.
🎥 Watch the video below where I explain how Florida prosecutors build money laundering cases—and what you can do to fight back.
- 💰 Even one transaction involving illegal funds can result in felony charges
- 📊 $300+ in 12 months may trigger mandatory state penalties
- 🚔 Florida prosecutors often team up with federal agents
🔍 How Money Laundering Works
Money laundering typically involves three stages:
- Placement – Introducing criminal proceeds into the financial system (e.g., cash deposits)
- Layering – Moving funds around to obscure their origin (e.g., wire transfers, shell companies)
- Integration – Using the funds to buy legitimate assets (e.g., real estate or vehicles)
💡 Example: If someone uses drug money to purchase a car in Fort Lauderdale, that purchase may constitute money laundering—even if it seems like a routine transaction.
Money Laundering: What Fort Lauderdale Defendants Face
Under Florida Statutes § 896.101, it’s a crime to:
- Use the proceeds of any unlawful activity in a financial transaction
- Conceal the source, ownership, or control of those proceeds
- Transport or transfer funds to evade detection or reporting requirements
💥 Penalties Can Include:
- 3rd-degree felony: $300–$20,000 in a 12-month period → up to 5 years
- 2nd-degree felony: $20,000–$100,000 → up to 15 years
- 1st-degree felony: Over $100,000 → up to 30 year
Fort Lauderdale prosecutors may also work with federal agents (FBI, IRS, DEA) to file federal charges under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956 or 1957.
Related Posts:
- Fort Lauderdale White Collar Crime Defense
- Florida Search and Seizure Law
- Federal Criminal Charges vs. State Charges in Florida
❓ Does Intent Matter?
Yes. Prosecutors must prove you knew the money came from an illegal source and participated in a financial transaction to disguise it.
That said, they may rely on circumstantial evidence—and Fort Lauderdale and South Florida law enforcement can misinterpret perfectly legal transactions.
💬 FAQs About Money Laundering in Florida
Q: Can I be charged with money laundering for one transaction?
A: Yes—even one transaction involving illicit proceeds can lead to a felony charge.
Q: Can Fort Lauderdale police and federal agents work together on a laundering case?
A: Yes. These cases often involve joint investigations with federal authorities.
Q: Is there a minimum dollar amount to be charged with money laundering?
A: Yes—$300 within a 12-month period can trigger a felony charge under Florida law.
