Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: Florida's mandatory minimum sentencing law for crimes committed with firearms. Possessing a firearm = 10 years minimum. Firing a firearm = 20 years minimum. Shooting and causing injury or death = 25 years to life.
Category: Sentencing · Statute: F.S. 775.087 · Source: Florida Legislature
Florida Statute 775.087 — 10-20-Life"Use a gun, and you're done." Florida's mandatory minimum sentencing for firearm crimes eliminates judicial discretion for certain offenses.
The Three Tiers
- 10 years — Possessing a firearm during commission of certain felonies
- 20 years — Discharging (firing) a firearm during commission of a felony
- 25 years to life — Shooting someone, causing great bodily harm or death
Qualifying Offenses
10-20-Life applies to: murder, sexual battery, robbery, burglary, arson, aggravated assault/battery, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and other specified felonies.
Bail Impact
Cases involving 10-20-Life enhancements result in significantly higher bail because the potential sentence is much longer, increasing flight risk.