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Florida criminal charge

Making or possessing instruments for forging bills in Florida

Felony of the Third DegreeCurrent through 2026 Florida legislative session

Making or possessing instruments for forging bills is a Felony of the Third Degree under Florida criminal law, defined by Fla. Stat. § 831.18. 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. § 831.18.

What is the penalty for making or possessing instruments for forging bills in Florida?

Penalties for Making or possessing instruments for forging bills
PenaltyRangeBasisAuthority
Jail / prisonup to 5 years (no statutory minimum)discretionaryFla. Stat. § 775.082
Fineup 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)))discretionaryFla. Stat. § 775.082

Applies to current (2025 Florida Statutes).

Common questions about making or possessing instruments for forging bills in Florida

Is making or possessing instruments for forging bills a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?

Making or possessing instruments for forging bills is a Felony of the Third Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 831.18.

What are the penalties for making or possessing instruments for forging bills in Florida?

As a Felony of the Third Degree, making or possessing instruments for forging bills 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 making or possessing instruments for forging bills?

Making or possessing instruments for forging bills is governed by Fla. Stat. § 831.18 (Making or possessing instruments for forging bills).

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.