Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: The maximum time after an offense during which criminal charges can be filed. Once the statute of limitations expires, the defendant can no longer be prosecuted for that offense.
Category: Court Process · Statute: F.S. 775.15 · Source: Florida Legislature
Florida Statute 775.15 — Time LimitationsFlorida sets specific time limits for prosecuting different categories of crimes, from misdemeanors to capital felonies.
Florida Statutes of Limitations
- 1st Degree Misdemeanor — 2 years
- 2nd/3rd Degree Misdemeanor — 1 year
- 3rd Degree Felony — 3 years
- 2nd Degree Felony — 3 years
- 1st Degree Felony — 4 years
- Capital/Life Felony — No limitation (can be prosecuted at any time)
- Sexual offenses against minors — No limitation
- Fraud offenses — Begins when fraud is discovered (not when committed)