Florida criminal charge
Nonsupport of dependents in Florida
Nonsupport of dependents is a criminal offense under Florida law, defined by Fla. Stat. § 827.06. 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. § 827.06.
What is the penalty for nonsupport of dependents in Florida?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 1 year (Nonsupport of dependents — A person willfully fails to provide support they have the ability to provide to a child or spouse whom they know they are legally obligated to support.; county jail, not state prison (s. 775.08(2))) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Nonsupport of dependents — A person willfully fails to provide support they have the ability to provide to a child or spouse whom they know they are legally obligated to support.; 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 (Nonsupport of dependents — repeat or high-arrearage violation — A person is convicted of a fourth or subsequent violation of subsection (2), or violates subsection (2) while owing more than $5,000 in support for over a year.) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $5,000 (Nonsupport of dependents — repeat or high-arrearage violation — A person is convicted of a fourth or subsequent violation of subsection (2), or violates subsection (2) while owing more than $5,000 in support for over a year.; 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 nonsupport of dependents classified in Florida?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonsupport of dependents | Misdemeanor of the First Degree | A person willfully fails to provide support they have the ability to provide to a child or spouse whom they know they are legally obligated to support. | Fla. Stat. § 827.06(2) |
| Nonsupport of dependents — repeat or high-arrearage violation | Felony of the Third Degree | A person is convicted of a fourth or subsequent violation of subsection (2), or violates subsection (2) while owing more than $5,000 in support for over a year. | Fla. Stat. § 827.06(3) |
Common questions about nonsupport of dependents in Florida
Is nonsupport of dependents a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
It depends on the circumstances: nonsupport of dependents ranges from a Misdemeanor of the First Degree to a Felony of the Third Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 827.06.
Nonsupport of dependents: Misdemeanor of the First Degree (Fla. Stat. § 827.06(2)) · Nonsupport of dependents — repeat or high-arrearage violation: Felony of the Third Degree (Fla. Stat. § 827.06(3))
What are the penalties for nonsupport of dependents in Florida?
Penalties for nonsupport of dependents in Florida depend on how it is classified — from a Misdemeanor of the First Degree up to a Felony of the Third 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 nonsupport of dependents?
Nonsupport of dependents is governed by Fla. Stat. § 827.06 (Nonsupport of dependents).
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.