{"id":372636,"date":"2017-12-15T15:09:05","date_gmt":"2017-12-15T20:09:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/florida-law\/florida-vandalism-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-01-19T13:12:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T18:12:15","slug":"florida-vandalism-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/florida-law\/florida-vandalism-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Florida Vandalism Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Florida Vandalism Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, 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\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Florida vandalism laws cover the criminal offense when a person willfully and maliciously damages another person\u2019s real or personal property. Known as \u2018criminal mischief\u2019, this crime includes graffiti, breaking windows, or destroying structures with the intent to cause harm. Penalties range from fines and mandatory community service to jail time.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In Florida<\/span>, vandalism<\/span> falls under the category of “criminal mischief<\/span>.” This involves intentionally damaging someone else’s property. The penalties depend on the amount of damage<\/span> and the type of property<\/span>. Charges range from misdemeanors<\/span>, with a potential penalty of up to 60 days in jail, to felonies, carrying a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison.<\/p>\n

Facing a vandalism<\/span> charge<\/span> in Florida<\/span> can be overwhelming, especially when you are unsure what penalties you might face. Consider contacting a\u00a0criminal defense attorney<\/span>\u00a0near you<\/a>. They can assess the legal issues<\/span> in your case and identify the potential penalties under Florida<\/span>\u2019s vandalism<\/span> laws<\/span>.<\/p>\n

What Counts as Vandalism<\/span> in Florida<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Florida<\/span> state law<\/a>\u00a0defines vandalism<\/span> as criminal mischief<\/span>. This criminal offense<\/span> happens when a person willfully and maliciously injures or damages real or personal property<\/span> of another person.<\/p>\n

This definition covers a wide range of destruction of property<\/span> acts, such as the following:<\/p>\n