Drug Crimes
Drug Possession in Florida: Charges, Penalties, and How It Differs from Trafficking
What Florida law says about possessing a controlled substance: the felony and misdemeanor levels, the 20-gram cannabis rule, and the weights at…
Topic
Drug Crimes
Possession, sale, and trafficking charges under Chapter 893 of the Florida Statutes.
Most Florida drug charges come from two sections of chapter 893. Section 893.13 covers possession, sale, manufacture, and delivery of controlled substances. Possession is generally a third-degree felony, with an exception for 20 grams or less of cannabis, which is a first-degree misdemeanor. Section 893.135 covers trafficking: quantities above set thresholds, such as 28 grams of cocaine or 7 grams of oxycodone, carry mandatory minimum prison terms.
Guides
Florida statutes on this topic
Plain-language summaries, each linked to the official text.
- F.S. §893.13 — Drug Possession, Sale, Manufacture, and Delivery The main Florida statute on controlled substance offenses below trafficking amounts, covering possession and sale, manufacture, or delivery.
- F.S. §893.135 — Drug Trafficking Sets the quantity thresholds at which possessing, selling, or bringing a drug into Florida becomes trafficking, with mandatory minimum prison terms and fines.
Official resources
Government and bar sources for checking the current law and procedures.
- Florida StatutesThe Florida Senate (opens in a new tab)
- Florida Rules of Criminal ProcedureThe Florida Bar (opens in a new tab)
- Florida CourtsFlorida State Courts System (opens in a new tab)
- Seal and Expunge ProcessFlorida Department of Law Enforcement (opens in a new tab)
- Driver licenses and suspensionsFlorida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (opens in a new tab)
- Lawyer Referral ServiceThe Florida Bar (opens in a new tab)