{"id":372511,"date":"2017-12-12T18:37:36","date_gmt":"2017-12-12T23:37:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/florida-law\/florida-arson-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-05-27T16:55:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T21:55:16","slug":"florida-arson-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/florida-law\/florida-arson-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Florida Arson Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Florida Arson Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Florida laws<\/span> carry stiff punishments for committing arson, which is when a person deliberately sets a fire or uses explosives to damage items, a dwelling, or real estate. Arson can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, with incarceration ranging from one to 15 years.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Property crimes<\/span> encompass a wide range of offenses, from vandalism<\/span> to trespassing. One of the most serious property crimes<\/span> is arson<\/a>. The crime of arson<\/span> involves a person intentionally setting a fire or using explosives to damage property.<\/p>\n

In some arson cases<\/span><\/a>, the perpetrator sets fire to a structure that has people in it. In others, the fire involves unoccupied property, such as an empty office building<\/span> or warehouse.<\/p>\n

When arresting someone<\/a> for arson, law enforcement<\/span> considers the suspect’s use of tools and whether their actions caused injuries. If someone uses a firebomb<\/span>, it’s hard for them to argue that they didn’t intend to cause a fire or explosion.<\/p>\n

This article examines and explains how Florida’s arson laws work, including the penalties and defenses to this offense. If you’re facing arson charges<\/span>, consider contacting a local criminal defense<\/span> lawyer<\/span><\/a> to discuss your case.<\/p>\n

Degrees of Arson in Florida<\/h2>\n

Florida law<\/span><\/a> recognizes several degrees of arson. The penalties increase due to certain factors, such as injuries caused or prior arson convictions.<\/p>\n

In general, first-degree<\/span> arson<\/span><\/a> involves damaging a dwelling or structure via fire or an explosion. A dwelling refers to a place where people live or reside, while a structure means any building of any kind<\/span>, any enclosed area<\/span> with a roof over it, any real property<\/span>, tents or other portable buildings<\/span>, and any vehicle, vessel, watercraft<\/span>, or aircraft.<\/p>\n

Lesser charges of arson<\/span> often involve the destruction of structures that do not usually contain people or property. Arson is a felony offense<\/span> in almost all cases.<\/p>\n

How Florida Statutes<\/span> Define Arson<\/h2>\n

A person commits first-degree<\/span> arson<\/span><\/a> when they willfully and unlawfully use fire or explosives to damage the following:<\/p>\n