Florida criminal charge
Contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child; penalty in Florida
Contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child; penalty is a criminal offense under Florida law, defined by Fla. Stat. § 827.04. 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. § 827.04.
What is the penalty for contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child; penalty in Florida?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 1 year (Contributing to delinquency/dependency of a child — Any person commits an act causing, tending to cause, encouraging, or contributing to a child becoming delinquent, dependent, or in need of services, or induces a child to engage in conduct causing or tending to cause such status.; county jail, not state prison (s. 775.08(2))) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Contributing to delinquency/dependency of a child — Any person commits an act causing, tending to cause, encouraging, or contributing to a child becoming delinquent, dependent, or in need of services, or induces a child to engage in conduct causing or tending to cause such status.; 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 5 years (Impregnating a child under 16 — A person 21 years of age or older impregnates a child under 16 years of age, which constitutes an act of child abuse.) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $5,000 (Impregnating a child under 16 — A person 21 years of age or older impregnates a child under 16 years of age, which constitutes an act of child abuse.; 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 contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child; penalty classified in Florida?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contributing to delinquency/dependency of a child | Misdemeanor of the First Degree | Any person commits an act causing, tending to cause, encouraging, or contributing to a child becoming delinquent, dependent, or in need of services, or induces a child to engage in conduct causing or tending to cause such status. | Fla. Stat. § 827.04(1) |
| Impregnating a child under 16 | Felony of the Third Degree | A person 21 years of age or older impregnates a child under 16 years of age, which constitutes an act of child abuse. | Fla. Stat. § 827.04(3) |
Common questions about contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child; penalty in Florida
Is contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child; penalty a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
It depends on the circumstances: contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child; penalty ranges from a Misdemeanor of the First Degree to a Felony of the Third Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 827.04.
Contributing to delinquency/dependency of a child: Misdemeanor of the First Degree (Fla. Stat. § 827.04(1)) · Impregnating a child under 16: Felony of the Third Degree (Fla. Stat. § 827.04(3))
What are the penalties for contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child; penalty in Florida?
Penalties for contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child; penalty in Florida depend on how it is classified — from a Misdemeanor of the First Degree up to a Felony of the Third 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 contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child; penalty?
Contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child; penalty is governed by Fla. Stat. § 827.04 (Contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child; penalty).
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.