Florida criminal charge
Loitering or prowling; penalty in Florida
Loitering or prowling; penalty is a Misdemeanor of the Second Degree under Florida criminal law, defined by Fla. Stat. § 856.021. 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. § 856.021.
What is the penalty for loitering or prowling; penalty 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 loitering or prowling; penalty in Florida
Is loitering or prowling; penalty a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
Loitering or prowling; penalty is a Misdemeanor of the Second Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 856.021.
What are the penalties for loitering or prowling; penalty in Florida?
As a Misdemeanor of the Second Degree, loitering or prowling; penalty 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 loitering or prowling; penalty?
Loitering or prowling; penalty is governed by Fla. Stat. § 856.021 (Loitering or prowling; 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.