Fla. Stat. § 784.045
Aggravated Battery
When a battery causes serious harm or involves a weapon, it becomes a second-degree felony with up to 15 years of exposure. Here is what the statute requires.
Attorney-Reviewed Statute Resource
Reviewed by Jeff T. Gorman, Criminal Defense Attorney & Former 19th Circuit Prosecutor (Fla. Bar #538183).
Last reviewed: June 2026
What Elevates It
Under § 784.045, a battery becomes aggravated when it causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement; is committed with a deadly weapon; or is committed against a person the offender knew was pregnant.
The Governing Statute
Fla. Stat. § 784.045 — Aggravated Battery
"A person commits aggravated battery who, in committing battery: 1. Intentionally or knowingly causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement; or 2. Uses a deadly weapon."
Read the full statute on Online Sunshine →
"Great bodily harm" means more than slight or trivial injury — whether an injury qualifies is often the central dispute.
The Actual Penalties
Aggravated Battery — Statutory Penalties
Second-degree felony: up to 15 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine.
If a firearm was used, 10-20-Life (§ 775.087) mandatory minimums apply — potentially 25 years to life if the firearm was discharged causing injury.
If a firearm was used, 10-20-Life (§ 775.087) mandatory minimums apply — potentially 25 years to life if the firearm was discharged causing injury.
What a Defense Attorney Looks For
- Self-defense and Stand Your Ground.
- Whether the injury is truly "great bodily harm" — the line between battery and aggravated battery.
- Intent and causation.
- Firearm-enhancement challenges given the severe mandatory minimums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between battery and aggravated battery in Florida?
Battery is any intentional unwanted touching. Aggravated battery (§ 784.045) additionally involves great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement, a deadly weapon, or a known-pregnant victim — making it a second-degree felony.
How much prison time for aggravated battery in Florida?
Aggravated battery is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years. If a firearm was discharged causing injury, 10-20-Life mandatory minimums can raise exposure to 25 years to life.
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. § 784.045 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.