Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: The forcible, by threat, or secret confinement of another person against their will without lawful authority. False imprisonment is a third-degree felony in Florida.
Category: Criminal Offenses · Statute: F.S. 787.02 · Source: Florida Legislature
Florida Statute 787.02"Whoever confines, abducts, imprisons, or restrains another person without lawful authority and against her or his will commits the offense of false imprisonment."
False Imprisonment vs. Kidnapping
- False imprisonment — Confinement against will (3rd degree felony)
- Kidnapping — Forcible confinement with intent to commit a felony, hold for ransom, or terrorize (1st degree felony)
Bail
Typical bail: $5,000–$25,000. If charged alongside other offenses (domestic violence, sexual battery), bail is set higher.