Fla. Stat. § 775.087

Florida’s 10-20-Life Law

Florida’s 10-20-Life law removes a judge’s discretion when a gun is used in certain felonies, imposing mandatory minimums that stack on top of the underlying sentence.

Attorney-Reviewed Statute Resource
Reviewed by Jeff T. Gorman, Criminal Defense Attorney & Former 19th Circuit Prosecutor (Fla. Bar #538183). Last reviewed: June 2026

The 10-20-Life Structure

Under § 775.087, when a firearm is used during certain enumerated felonies (such as aggravated assault, robbery, or murder), the court must impose a mandatory-minimum prison term — regardless of the defendant’s record or the circumstances.

The Governing Statute
Fla. Stat. § 775.087 — Possession or Use of a Weapon (10-20-Life)
"Any person who is convicted of [an enumerated felony] and who during the commission of the offense … discharged a firearm … [shall be sentenced to a minimum term of imprisonment as provided in this section]."
Read the full statute on Online Sunshine →
10-20-Life — Mandatory Minimums
10 years: Possessing a firearm during the felony.

20 years: Discharging a firearm during the felony.

25 years to life: Discharging a firearm and causing death or great bodily harm.

Why It’s So Serious

A mandatory minimum means the judge cannot sentence below it, and these terms generally run consecutively to — on top of — the sentence for the underlying felony. That is what makes any firearm allegation in a felony case so consequential.

What a Defense Attorney Looks For

  • Whether a firearm was actually possessed or discharged by the defendant.
  • Whether the underlying felony is one the statute covers.
  • Identity and causation in discharge/injury cases.
  • Negotiation — because the enhancement drives the exposure, resolving or removing it is often the central goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Florida’s 10-20-Life law?
Under § 775.087, using a firearm during certain felonies triggers mandatory-minimum prison terms: 10 years for possessing it, 20 years for discharging it, and 25 years to life if the discharge causes death or great bodily harm.
Can a judge go below a 10-20-Life mandatory minimum in Florida?
Generally no. The mandatory minimums under § 775.087 must be imposed, and they typically run consecutively to the sentence for the underlying felony. This is why a firearm allegation dramatically raises the stakes of a case.

Charged Under This Statute?

A statute on a page is not the same as your case. Talk to an attorney who has handled these charges — free, confidential.

This page summarizes Fla. Stat. § 775.087 for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Statutes change; while this page is reviewed by a licensed Florida attorney, always verify the current text on the official Online Sunshine source or consult an attorney about your specific situation. Serving Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties.