{"id":372618,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:55","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/florida-law\/florida-second-degree-murder-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-06-19T13:20:10","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T18:20:10","slug":"florida-second-degree-murder-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/florida-law\/florida-second-degree-murder-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Florida Second Degree Murder Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Florida Second Degree Murder Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\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

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Florida’s second-degree murder laws categorize the crime into two forms: depraved mind murder and felony murder. Depraved mind murder occurs when someone commits an act showing a reckless disregard for human life, without specific intent to kill. Felony murder applies when a death occurs during the commission of a felony. Both forms are severe, carrying potential life sentences.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Florida statutes classify degrees of murder differently based on the severity of the crime. Second-degree murder, although not as severe as first-degree murder, is still one of the most serious criminal charges. It can carry potential life imprisonment and fines.<\/p>\r\n

This article explains the two types of second-degree murder in the state of Florida.<\/p>\r\n

If you’re facing criminal charges in Florida, seek legal advice from a criminal defense attorney<\/a>. They can help protect your rights and develop a strong defense strategy for your case.<\/p>\r\n

Second Degree Murder Charges in Florida<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Florida Statutes \u00a7 782.04<\/a> recognizes two forms of second-degree murder. Each form carries different key elements and arises under varying circumstances.<\/p>\r\n

Depraved Mind Murder<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Depraved mind murder occurs when a person commits an act that is extremely dangerous to others. Although the defendant doesn’t plan or intend to kill any specific person, the act shows a disregard for human life.<\/p>\r\n

To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:<\/p>\r\n