Florida law prohibits anyone from selling, manufacturing, delivering or possessing a controlled substance. It is also unlawful to possess a controlled substance with the intent to commit any of the offenses above. Under Section 893.13(7)(a) of the Florida Statutes, it’s also illegal for anyone to distribute or dispense any controlled substance prohibited by the law. In addition, anyone caught bringing a substantial amount of controlled substances into the state for distribution may also face drug trafficking charges.
Florida laws on drug distribution
The charges and sentencing for drug distribution in Florida correspond with the circumstances of the crime. At a minimum, drug distribution in Florida is a felony offense. The degree of the offense is dictated by the schedule the controlled substances are classified in, the amount involved, the proximity of the crime to public access areas and any related charges. Distributing 10 grams of a Schedule I or II controlled substance within a school zone qualifies as a first-degree felony.
Florida penalties on drug trafficking
In Florida, drug charges for trafficking are considered a first-degree felony. The typical mandatory for drug trafficking in Florida is three to 25 years, depending on the schedule and amount. If the offense involves 25 to 2,000 lbs of marijuana, the minimum sentencing is three years and $25,000 in fines. At 2,000 to 10,000 lbs, the sentencing escalates to seven years behind bars and $50,000 in fines. The standard maximum penalty for drug trafficking in Florida is 30 years.
Drug distribution prosecuted as possession with the intent to sell qualifies as a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines. A second-degree felony drug distribution qualifies for up to $10,000 in fines and up to 15 years in jail. Defendants with prior felony convictions may be subjected to enhanced sentencing with each subsequent offense. If death or serious injury is the inevitable result of the trafficking offense, the defendant may be charged with a capital felony.