Felonies
Felony Charges in Florida: Degrees, Maximum Penalties & Process
How Florida classifies felonies, the maximum prison term and fine for each degree, how the sentencing scoresheet works, and the consequences of…
Topic
Felonies
Felony degrees, maximum penalties, and how felony cases move through circuit court.
A felony in Florida is a crime punishable by death or by imprisonment in a state prison. There are five levels: third degree (up to 5 years), second degree (up to 15 years), first degree (up to 30 years, or life where a statute provides), life felonies, and capital felonies. Felonies are prosecuted in circuit court, and sentencing follows the Criminal Punishment Code scoresheet along with any mandatory minimum that applies.
Guides
Key terms
- Felony
- A crime that Florida law makes punishable by death or by imprisonment in a state prison. Felonies range from third degree, the least serious, up to capital felonies.
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)