Florida criminal charge
Introduction, removal, or possession of contraband; penalty in Florida
Introduction, removal, or possession of contraband; penalty is a criminal offense under Florida law, defined by Fla. Stat. § 944.47. 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. § 944.47.
What is the penalty for introduction, removal, or possession of contraband; penalty in Florida?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Contraband — written/recorded communication, currency/coin, food/clothing, or cellular/portable communication device — Violation involves contraband described in subparagraph (1)(a)1. (written/recorded communication or currency/coin), (1)(a)2. (food or clothing), or (1)(a)6. (cellular telephone or portable communication device).) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $5,000 (Contraband — written/recorded communication, currency/coin, food/clothing, or cellular/portable communication device — Violation involves contraband described in subparagraph (1)(a)1. (written/recorded communication or currency/coin), (1)(a)2. (food or clothing), or (1)(a)6. (cellular telephone or portable communication device).; 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 1 year (Contraband — vapor-generating electronic device — Violation involves contraband described in subparagraph (1)(a)7. (a vapor-generating electronic device).; county jail, not state prison (s. 775.08(2))) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Contraband — vapor-generating electronic device — Violation involves contraband described in subparagraph (1)(a)7. (a vapor-generating electronic device).; 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 (Contraband — all other articles (e.g., intoxicating beverages, controlled substances, firearms/weapons/explosives) — Violation of this section pertains to any contraband article not specifically listed as a third-degree felony or misdemeanor, i.e., not falling under (1)(a)1., (1)(a)2., (1)(a)6., or (1)(a)7.) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Contraband — all other articles (e.g., intoxicating beverages, controlled substances, firearms/weapons/explosives) — Violation of this section pertains to any contraband article not specifically listed as a third-degree felony or misdemeanor, i.e., not falling under (1)(a)1., (1)(a)2., (1)(a)6., or (1)(a)7.; 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 introduction, removal, or possession of contraband; penalty classified in Florida?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contraband — written/recorded communication, currency/coin, food/clothing, or cellular/portable communication device | Felony of the Third Degree | Violation involves contraband described in subparagraph (1)(a)1. (written/recorded communication or currency/coin), (1)(a)2. (food or clothing), or (1)(a)6. (cellular telephone or portable communication device). | Fla. Stat. § 944.47(2)(a) |
| Contraband — vapor-generating electronic device | Misdemeanor of the First Degree | Violation involves contraband described in subparagraph (1)(a)7. (a vapor-generating electronic device). | Fla. Stat. § 944.47(2)(a) |
| Contraband — all other articles (e.g., intoxicating beverages, controlled substances, firearms/weapons/explosives) | Felony of the Second Degree | Violation of this section pertains to any contraband article not specifically listed as a third-degree felony or misdemeanor, i.e., not falling under (1)(a)1., (1)(a)2., (1)(a)6., or (1)(a)7. | Fla. Stat. § 944.47(2)(a) |
Common questions about introduction, removal, or possession of contraband; penalty in Florida
Is introduction, removal, or possession of contraband; penalty a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
It depends on the circumstances: introduction, removal, or possession of contraband; penalty ranges from a Misdemeanor of the First Degree to a Felony of the Second Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 944.47.
Contraband — written/recorded communication, currency/coin, food/clothing, or cellular/portable communication device: Felony of the Third Degree (Fla. Stat. § 944.47(2)(a)) · Contraband — vapor-generating electronic device: Misdemeanor of the First Degree (Fla. Stat. § 944.47(2)(a)) · Contraband — all other articles (e.g., intoxicating beverages, controlled substances, firearms/weapons/explosives): Felony of the Second Degree (Fla. Stat. § 944.47(2)(a))
What are the penalties for introduction, removal, or possession of contraband; penalty in Florida?
Penalties for introduction, removal, or possession of contraband; penalty in Florida depend on how it is classified — from a Misdemeanor of the First 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 introduction, removal, or possession of contraband; penalty?
Introduction, removal, or possession of contraband; penalty is governed by Fla. Stat. § 944.47 (Introduction, removal, or possession of contraband; 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.