Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: Knowingly and willfully obstructing, resisting, or opposing a law enforcement officer in the lawful execution of a legal duty. Resisting without violence is a first-degree misdemeanor; resisting with violence is a third-degree felony.
Category: Criminal Offenses · Statute: F.S. 843.01-843.02 · Source: Florida Legislature
Florida Statute 843.02"Whoever shall resist, obstruct, or oppose any officer... without offering or doing violence to the person of the officer shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree."
With vs. Without Violence
- Without violence (F.S. 843.02) — 1st degree misdemeanor: up to 1 year, $1,000 fine
- With violence (F.S. 843.01) — 3rd degree felony: up to 5 years, $5,000 fine
Common Examples
- Pulling away when being handcuffed (without violence)
- Running from police (without violence)
- Giving false name to officers (obstruction)
- Physically fighting officers (with violence)
Bail
Without violence: $500–$2,500. With violence: $5,000–$25,000.