Florida criminal charge
Counterfeiting a payment instrument; possessing a counterfeit payment instrument; penalties in Florida
Counterfeiting a payment instrument; possessing a counterfeit payment instrument; penalties is a Felony of the Third Degree under Florida criminal law, defined by Fla. Stat. § 831.28. As a Felony of the Third 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. § 831.28.
What is the penalty for counterfeiting a payment instrument; possessing a counterfeit payment instrument; penalties in Florida?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (no statutory minimum) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $5,000 (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 counterfeiting a payment instrument; possessing a counterfeit payment instrument; penalties in Florida
Is counterfeiting a payment instrument; possessing a counterfeit payment instrument; penalties a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
Counterfeiting a payment instrument; possessing a counterfeit payment instrument; penalties is a Felony of the Third Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 831.28.
What are the penalties for counterfeiting a payment instrument; possessing a counterfeit payment instrument; penalties in Florida?
As a Felony of the Third Degree, counterfeiting a payment instrument; possessing a counterfeit payment instrument; penalties carries up to 5 years (statutory maximum; the Criminal Punishment Code scoresheet (s. 921.0024) sets the lowest permissible sentence) of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000 (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 counterfeiting a payment instrument; possessing a counterfeit payment instrument; penalties?
Counterfeiting a payment instrument; possessing a counterfeit payment instrument; penalties is governed by Fla. Stat. § 831.28 (Counterfeiting a payment instrument; possessing a counterfeit payment instrument; penalties).
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.