Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: An act of disobedience or disrespect toward the court that obstructs the administration of justice. Contempt can be civil (failure to comply with a court order) or criminal (disruptive behavior in court).
Category: Court Process · Statute: F.S. 38.22 · Source: Florida Legislature
Types of Contempt
- Direct criminal contempt — Disruptive behavior in the courtroom (outbursts, refusal to testify)
- Indirect criminal contempt — Violating a court order outside the courtroom
- Civil contempt — Failure to comply with a court order (can be "purged" by complying)
Penalties
- Up to 5 months and 29 days in jail for criminal contempt
- Civil contempt: jail until compliance (no set maximum)
Bail
For indirect criminal contempt, bail may be set. For direct contempt, the judge may impose immediate sanctions without bail.