Florida Laws and Legal Penalties
Comprehensive legal reference for Florida. Browse DUI laws, drug possession penalties, theft charges, statutes of limitations, and more. All information is sourced from public state statutes.
Note: This information is for general educational purposes only. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Florida attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Florida Quick Facts
- State Capital: Tallahassee
- Region: South
- DUI BAC Limit: 0.08%
- Marijuana Status: Illegal
- Felony Theft Threshold: $750+
- Murder SOL: None
Florida DUI Laws
| Offense | Penalties |
|---|---|
| First Offense DUI | Up to 6 months jail, $500–$1,000 fine, 180-day suspension |
| Second Offense DUI | Up to 9 months jail, $1,000–$2,000 fine, 5-year revocation (if within 5 years) |
| Felony DUI Threshold | 3rd offense within 10 years |
| Legal BAC Limit | 0.08% |
Florida has no lookback period for prior DUI convictions
Florida Marijuana Laws
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Illegal |
| Medical Program | Yes |
| Recreational Use | No |
| Small Amount Penalty | Misdemeanor: up to 1 year jail, $1,000 fine |
| Large Amount Penalty | Over 20g: felony |
Florida has a medical marijuana program; recreational remains illegal
Florida Theft Penalties
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Threshold | Under $750 |
| Felony Threshold | $750+ or more |
| Minimum Sentence | Up to 1 year |
| Maximum Sentence | Up to 30 years (grand theft 1st degree) |
Florida has grand theft 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree
Florida Statutes of Limitations
| Crime Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Murder | None |
| Rape / Sexual Assault | None |
| Felony (General) | 3 years |
| Misdemeanor | 2 years |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Theft | 3 years |
| DUI / DWI | 2 years |
| Assault | 3 years |
Florida first-degree felonies have 4-year SOL; life or capital felonies have none