Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: A serious criminal offense punishable by more than one year in state prison. Florida classifies felonies into five categories: third degree (up to 5 years), second degree (up to 15 years), first degree (up to 30 years), first degree punishable by life (PBL), and capital (life or death).
Category: Charge Classification · Statute: F.S. 775.082-775.084 · Source: Florida Legislature
Florida Statute 775.082 — Felony ClassificationsFlorida classifies felonies by degree, with penalties ranging from 5 years (3rd degree) to life imprisonment or death (capital felony).
Felony Degrees in Florida
- 3rd Degree Felony — Up to 5 years prison, $5,000 fine (e.g., grand theft, drug possession)
- 2nd Degree Felony — Up to 15 years prison, $10,000 fine (e.g., aggravated battery, burglary of occupied dwelling)
- 1st Degree Felony — Up to 30 years prison, $10,000 fine (e.g., armed robbery, sexual battery)
- Life Felony (PBL) — Up to life in prison (e.g., armed burglary, drug trafficking)
- Capital Felony — Life imprisonment or death (e.g., first-degree murder)
Bail for Felonies
Felony bail ranges from $2,500 to $500,000+ depending on the degree and specific charge. Capital felonies may be held without bail if the proof of guilt is evident.