Florida criminal charge
“Bookmaking” defined; penalties; exceptions in Florida
“Bookmaking” defined; penalties; exceptions is a criminal offense under Florida law, defined by Fla. Stat. § 849.25. Its classification is not fixed: Florida assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Fla. Stat. § 849.25.
What is the penalty for “bookmaking” defined; penalties; exceptions in Florida?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Bookmaking (first offense) — A person who engages in bookmaking is guilty of a felony of the third degree.) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $5,000 (Bookmaking (first offense) — A person who engages in bookmaking is guilty of a felony of the third degree.; or up to double the pecuniary gain/loss (s. 775.083(1)(f)); statutes may authorize higher (s. 775.083(1)(g))) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Jail / prison | up to 15 years (Bookmaking (subsequent offense) — A person previously convicted of bookmaking who thereafter violates the section again is guilty of a felony of the second degree.) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Bookmaking (subsequent offense) — A person previously convicted of bookmaking who thereafter violates the section again is guilty of a felony of the second degree.; or up to double the pecuniary gain/loss (s. 775.083(1)(f)); statutes may authorize higher (s. 775.083(1)(g))) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
Applies to current (2025 Florida Statutes).
How is “bookmaking” defined; penalties; exceptions classified in Florida?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bookmaking (first offense) | Felony of the Third Degree | A person who engages in bookmaking is guilty of a felony of the third degree. | Fla. Stat. § 849.25(2) |
| Bookmaking (subsequent offense) | Felony of the Second Degree | A person previously convicted of bookmaking who thereafter violates the section again is guilty of a felony of the second degree. | Fla. Stat. § 849.25(3) |
Common questions about “bookmaking” defined; penalties; exceptions in Florida
Is “Bookmaking” defined; penalties; exceptions a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
It depends on the circumstances: “Bookmaking” defined; penalties; exceptions ranges from a Felony of the Third Degree to a Felony of the Second Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 849.25.
Bookmaking (first offense): Felony of the Third Degree (Fla. Stat. § 849.25(2)) · Bookmaking (subsequent offense): Felony of the Second Degree (Fla. Stat. § 849.25(3))
What are the penalties for “Bookmaking” defined; penalties; exceptions in Florida?
Penalties for “Bookmaking” defined; penalties; exceptions in Florida depend on how it is classified — from a Felony of the Third Degree up to a Felony of the Second Degree — with the ranges set by Fla. Stat. § 775.082; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Florida statute covers “Bookmaking” defined; penalties; exceptions?
“Bookmaking” defined; penalties; exceptions is governed by Fla. Stat. § 849.25 (“Bookmaking” defined; penalties; exceptions).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.