Start with the baseline.
Florida classifies felonies into four standard classifications. Without an enhancement, this is the maximum statutory exposure for each.
The lowest-classified felony in Florida. Eligible for probation, downward departures, and (in some cases) withhold of adjudication.
Covers many violent and serious property offenses. The scoresheet commonly drives the realistic exposure.
A serious felony. Many first-degree felonies carry minimum mandatory provisions or scoresheet exposure into prison.
The most serious non-capital felony. Often triggers other minimum mandatory provisions when committed with a firearm or against a protected victim.
Five enhancements that change everything.
Each step on the ladder represents a separate statutory enhancement. The same charge can sit at radically different points on this ladder depending on prior history and how the State frames the case.
Doubles the maximum sentence for qualifying defendants with at least two prior felony convictions and a recent qualifying offense. Discretionary — the court may, but is not required to, apply the enhancement at sentencing after a hearing. Gain time is permitted under HFO sentencing.
Applies when prior felonies include enumerated violent offenses. Carries mandatory minimum prison terms — 5, 10, or 15 years depending on the new offense degree — that the court cannot suspend or reduce.
Applies to defendants with two or more prior qualifying violent felony convictions. The new offense must be committed: (1) within 5 years of the date of conviction for one prior enumerated violent felony; (2) within 5 years of release from any sentence imposed for an enumerated offense; OR (3) while serving the sentence for one prior enumerated violent felony. Carries mandatory minimum sentences — the court has very limited discretion at sentencing.
Reserved for defendants with three or more prior qualifying convictions and a new qualifying violent felony. The new offense must be committed: (1) within 5 years of the date of conviction for one prior enumerated violent felony; (2) within 5 years of release from any sentence imposed for an enumerated offense; OR (3) while serving the sentence for one prior enumerated violent felony. Carries some of the longest mandatory minimums in Florida law.
Applies when a qualifying offense is committed within 3 years of release from prison. The maximum statutory sentence for the new offense becomes the mandatory minimum — with no gain-time.
The terms a sentencing memo will throw at you.
The math that quietly decides most sentences.
Even when no enhancement is sought, Florida's Criminal Punishment Code scoresheet calculates a lowest permissible sentence based on the offense classification, victim impact, prior record, and other statutory points. If the scored bottom exceeds the statutory minimum, the scoresheet controls — unless the court grants a downward departure. A sentencing-savvy defense can change the score, change the classification of the offense, or change both.
Based on Fla. Stat. 775.082(10): for a third-degree felony that is not a forcible felony and not a chapter 810 burglary, 22 points or fewer requires a nonstate prison sanction unless the court makes written danger findings.
Statutes that set a floor the court can't lower.
These are some of the most common minimum mandatory provisions Florida courts apply. The exposure shown is the floor, not the ceiling.
10-20-Life — Possession of Firearm
10-year minimumPossessing a firearm during certain enumerated felonies.
10-20-Life — Discharge of Firearm
20-year minimumDischarging a firearm during an enumerated felony.
10-20-Life — Great Bodily Harm/Death
25-year-to-life minimumDischarge of a firearm during a felony causing great bodily harm or death.
Drug Trafficking Thresholds
3 / 7 / 15 / 25-year minimumsThreshold weight triggers escalating mandatory minimums for cocaine, opioids, and other controlled substances.
DUI Manslaughter
4-year minimumDUI causing death of another person.
Felon in Possession of Firearm
3-year minimum (actual possession)A convicted felon in actual possession of a firearm triggers a 3-year minimum mandatory. Constructive possession is analyzed separately; exposure can escalate based on prior history and circumstances.
Aggravated Assault on LEO with Firearm
3-year minimumAggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm.
Carjacking with a Firearm
10-year minimumCarjacking offense involving a firearm — 10-20-Life applies.
Sexual Battery on a Minor
Up to life; capital provisions applyStatutory framework imposes some of the most serious mandatory provisions in Florida law.
Armed Burglary
10-year minimumBurglary while armed with a firearm — 10-20-Life applies.
Aggravated Assault or Battery on a Person 65 or Older
3-year minimumAggravated assault or battery against a victim 65 or older carries a 3-year minimum mandatory.
Selling Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Area
3-year minimumSelling or delivering a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school, park, child-care facility, or other protected area carries a 3-year minimum mandatory.
Drug Possession — Driver's License Consequence
Mandatory license suspension if adjudicated guiltyA drug possession conviction (adjudication of guilt) triggers a mandatory Florida driver's license suspension separate from any incarceration penalty.
Fleeing and Eluding — License Consequence
Mandatory conviction + 1–5 year license suspensionA fleeing or attempting-to-elude conviction is mandatory and carries a mandatory Florida driver's license suspension of 1 to 5 years.