Florida criminal charge
Exploitation of a person 65 years of age or older in Florida
Exploitation of a person 65 years of age or older is a criminal offense under Florida law, defined by Fla. Stat. § 817.5695. 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. § 817.5695.
What is the penalty for exploitation of a person 65 years of age or older in Florida?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 30 years (Exploitation valued at $50,000 or more — Applies when the funds, assets, or property involved in the exploitation is valued at $50,000 or more.; when specifically provided by statute, a term of years not exceeding life imprisonment (s. 775.082(3)(b)1.)) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Exploitation valued at $50,000 or more — Applies when the funds, assets, or property involved in the exploitation is valued at $50,000 or more.; 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 (Exploitation valued at $10,000 to $50,000 — Applies when the funds, assets, or property involved in the exploitation is valued at $10,000 or more but less than $50,000.) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Exploitation valued at $10,000 to $50,000 — Applies when the funds, assets, or property involved in the exploitation is valued at $10,000 or more but less than $50,000.; 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 |
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Exploitation valued at less than $10,000 — Applies when the funds, assets, or property involved in the exploitation is valued at less than $10,000.) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $5,000 (Exploitation valued at less than $10,000 — Applies when the funds, assets, or property involved in the exploitation is valued at less than $10,000.; 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).
How is exploitation of a person 65 years of age or older classified in Florida?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exploitation valued at $50,000 or more | Felony of the First Degree | Applies when the funds, assets, or property involved in the exploitation is valued at $50,000 or more. | Fla. Stat. § 817.5695(3)(a) |
| Exploitation valued at $10,000 to $50,000 | Felony of the Second Degree | Applies when the funds, assets, or property involved in the exploitation is valued at $10,000 or more but less than $50,000. | Fla. Stat. § 817.5695(3)(b) |
| Exploitation valued at less than $10,000 | Felony of the Third Degree | Applies when the funds, assets, or property involved in the exploitation is valued at less than $10,000. | Fla. Stat. § 817.5695(3)(c) |
Common questions about exploitation of a person 65 years of age or older in Florida
Is exploitation of a person 65 years of age or older a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
It depends on the circumstances: exploitation of a person 65 years of age or older ranges from a Felony of the Third Degree to a Felony of the First Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 817.5695.
Exploitation valued at $50,000 or more: Felony of the First Degree (Fla. Stat. § 817.5695(3)(a)) · Exploitation valued at $10,000 to $50,000: Felony of the Second Degree (Fla. Stat. § 817.5695(3)(b)) · Exploitation valued at less than $10,000: Felony of the Third Degree (Fla. Stat. § 817.5695(3)(c))
What are the penalties for exploitation of a person 65 years of age or older in Florida?
Penalties for exploitation of a person 65 years of age or older in Florida depend on how it is classified — from a Felony of the Third Degree up to a Felony of the First 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 exploitation of a person 65 years of age or older?
Exploitation of a person 65 years of age or older is governed by Fla. Stat. § 817.5695 (Exploitation of a person 65 years of age or older).
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.