Treasure Coast Criminal Defense

Florida Statute Library

Straight, plain-English explanations of the Florida criminal statutes that matter most — what each law actually says, the real penalties, and what a defense attorney looks for. Every page reviewed by a former prosecutor.

These pages explain Florida law in plain English for general information. They are reviewed by a licensed Florida attorney but are not legal advice, and statutes change. For your specific situation, talk to an attorney.

DUI

Fla. Stat. § 316.193

Florida DUI First Offense

A realistic scenario, the exact statute that governs it, and the penalties that actually apply — explained by…

Fla. Stat. § 316.193(2)

Second DUI in Florida

The single biggest factor in a second DUI is timing — whether it falls inside the five-year window. Here is…

Fla. Stat. § 316.193(2)(b)

Third DUI in Florida

A third DUI is where Florida law crosses a line — from misdemeanor to felony, from county jail to state…

Fla. Stat. § 316.193(3)

DUI with Property Damage or Injury in Florida

The moment a DUI involves someone else’s property or body, the charge changes character. Here is how the…

Fla. Stat. § 316.193(3)(c)3

DUI Manslaughter in Florida

The most serious DUI charge in Florida. Here is exactly what the statute requires the State to prove, the…

Fla. Stat. § 316.1932

Refusing a Breath Test in Florida

Many people think refusing the test is the safe move. Florida’s implied consent law is built to make that…

Drug Offenses

Fla. Stat. § 893.13(6)

Possession of a Controlled Substance in Florida

Most drug possession in Florida is a felony — and you don’t have to be holding the drugs to be charged. Here…

Fla. Stat. § 893.13(6)(b)

Marijuana Possession in Florida

Recreational marijuana is still illegal in Florida. The line between misdemeanor and felony is 20 grams — but…

Fla. Stat. § 893.135

Drug Trafficking in Florida

The word "trafficking" is misleading — in Florida it turns on weight, not sales. Cross a threshold and you…

Fla. Stat. § 893.147

Drug Paraphernalia in Florida

Everyday objects can become "paraphernalia" depending on context and intent. Here is how the statute defines…

Fla. Stat. § 893.135(1)(c)

Fentanyl Trafficking in Florida

Florida treats fentanyl as uniquely dangerous — trafficking begins at just four grams, one of the lowest…

Fla. Stat. § 782.04

Drug-Induced Homicide in Florida

When a drug sale ends in a fatal overdose, Florida can charge the person who supplied it with homicide — and…

Fla. Stat. § 893.135(1)(f)

Methamphetamine Trafficking in Florida

Methamphetamine trafficking begins at 14 grams in Florida — and, like all trafficking here, it turns on…

Fla. Stat. § 893.13(1)(c)

Selling Drugs Near a School in Florida

Where a drug sale happens can matter as much as what was sold. Within 1,000 feet of a school, park, or other…

Other

Fla. Stat. § 893.13(1)

Possession With Intent to Sell in Florida

The difference between simple possession and "intent to sell" is often circumstantial — scales, baggies,…

Fla. Stat. § 893.13(7)

Prescription Drug Fraud in Florida

Forged prescriptions, altered scripts, and "doctor shopping" are all felonies in Florida — and the state’s…