Florida criminal charge
Contagious diseases in Florida
Contagious diseases is a Misdemeanor of the Second Degree under Florida criminal law, defined by Fla. Stat. § 828.16. As a Misdemeanor of the Second Degree, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range Florida sets for that offense class. Florida sorts criminal offenses into felonies, misdemeanors, and petty offenses, each carrying its own penalty range.
Defined by Fla. Stat. § 828.16.
What is the penalty for contagious diseases in Florida?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 60 days (county jail, not state prison (s. 775.08(2))) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $500 (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).
Common questions about contagious diseases in Florida
Is contagious diseases a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
Contagious diseases is a Misdemeanor of the Second Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 828.16.
What are the penalties for contagious diseases in Florida?
As a Misdemeanor of the Second Degree, contagious diseases carries up to 60 days (statutory maximum; the Criminal Punishment Code scoresheet (s. 921.0024) sets the lowest permissible sentence) of incarceration and a fine of up to $500 (statutory ceiling under s. 775.083; the alternatives in s. 775.083(1)(f)-(g) may exceed it) under Fla. Stat. § 775.082 (current (2025 Florida Statutes)).
Which Florida statute covers contagious diseases?
Contagious diseases is governed by Fla. Stat. § 828.16 (Contagious diseases).
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.