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Florida Criminal Laws

Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.

Created by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and editors

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Some of Florida’s criminal laws have garnered national attention in recent years. One of the more hotly debated laws is the Stand Your Ground statute, which describes how a person can respond to deadly force if they believe their life is in danger.

Dozens of sections of Florida’s statutes outline the various crimes in Florida and their penalties. There are also specific court rules and rules of criminal procedure that prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys must follow in and out of court.

This article offers links to Findlaw articles that discuss Florida’s criminal laws and summaries of what these pages offer.

Types of Felonies in the State of Florida

In Florida, there are five categories of felonies. The most serious is a capital felony, and the most minor is a felony of the third degree. The more serious the crime, the more severe the penalties. If you’re involved in a criminal case, you should be aware of the potential penalties you’re facing.

Under Florida Statutes Title XLVI, the categories of felonies are as follows:

  • Capital felonies — These crimes are punishable by death or life in prison without the possibility of parole (LWOP.) Examples of capital felonies include first-degree murder.
  • Life felonies — These crimes carry a life sentence and fines of up to $15,000. Kidnapping a child under 13 or sexual battery against a child under 12 are life felonies in Florida.
  • Felonies of the first degree — Crimes such as carjacking, burglary, and aggravated battery qualify as first-degree felonies in Florida. A conviction for these crimes may lead to up to 30 years imprisonment and $10,000 in fines.
  • Felonies of the second degree — Convictions for second-degree felonies may result in a sentence of up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. Examples of these felonies include vehicular homicide and extortion.
  • Felonies of the third degree — These crimes are the least serious of all felonies and carry a penalty of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Examples of third-degree felonies include theft of a motor vehicle and aggravated stalking.

Florida Statutes and Constitution

Reference Findlaw’s Florida Statutes and Constitution page for links to specific statutes and the Florida State Constitution.

  • Title IV — Executive Branch
  • Title V — Judicial Branch
  • Title VI — Civil Practice and Procedure
  • Title VII — Evidence
  • Title XLIII — Domestic Relations
  • Title XLV — Torts
  • Title XLVII — Criminal Procedure and Corrections
  • Title XXIII — Motor Vehicles
  • Title XXIV — Vessels
  • Title XXIX — Public Health
  • Title XXV — Aviation
  • Title XXXIII — Regulation of trade and commerce
  • Title XXXIV — Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco
  • Title XXX — Social Welfare

Consult a Criminal Defense Attorney if You’re Facing Criminal Charges in Florida

If law enforcement has arrested you for a serious crime in Florida, you should contact a skilled criminal defense lawyer. They will ensure that the police and prosecutor treat you fairly and respect your constitutional rights. They will also help prepare a solid defense to achieve the best outcome possible.

Learn About Florida Criminal Laws

  • Florida Capital Punishment Laws

    Florida law allows the death penalty for the most heinous and violent crimes. The method of execution in Florida is lethal injection, but an inmate can request electrocution instead. Click on the above link for more detailed information on capital punishment laws in Florida.

  • Florida Cocaine Laws

    Florida is one of the hubs for cocaine smuggling, which means cocaine use is rampant in the Sunshine State. As a result, Florida lawmakers have created strict laws on the possession and trafficking of cocaine. This Findlaw article discusses Florida’s cocaine laws in more detail.

  • Florida Kidnapping Laws

    In Florida, the police can arrest a person for kidnapping if they confine, abduct, or imprison another person against their will. The defendant must commit the kidnapping “forcibly, secretly, or by threat” and without lawful authority. A conviction of this felony crime will result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years. The offender must also pay a fine of up to $10,000.

  • Florida Gun Control Laws

    Florida passed its “Stand Your Ground” law in 2005. This law has drawn heavy debate over the years and is alive and well in Florida. Other states have followed Florida’s law by enacting laws affirming people’s right to defend themselves.

  • Florida Rape Laws

    Florida law includes rape under the umbrella of “sexual battery.” To prove rape, the prosecutor must establish each of the elements of sexual battery. Learn more in this article.

  • Florida First Degree Murder Laws

    Florida law defines homicide as the unlawful killing of another human being. There are several degrees of murder and manslaughter in Florida. First-degree murder includes premeditated killings, felony murders, and murders that happen during specified drug dealing offenses.

Florida Criminal Law Articles

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