Florida criminal charge
Stopping payment with intent to defraud in Florida
Stopping payment with intent to defraud is a criminal offense under Florida law, defined by Fla. Stat. § 832.041. 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. § 832.041.
What is the penalty for stopping payment with intent to defraud in Florida?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Stopping payment with intent to defraud ($150 or more) — The value of the goods or services secured for or on account of the check, draft, or written order is $150 or more.) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $5,000 (Stopping payment with intent to defraud ($150 or more) — The value of the goods or services secured for or on account of the check, draft, or written order is $150 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 60 days (Stopping payment with intent to defraud (less than $150) — The value of the goods or services secured for or on account of the check, draft, or written order is less than $150.; county jail, not state prison (s. 775.08(2))) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $500 (Stopping payment with intent to defraud (less than $150) — The value of the goods or services secured for or on account of the check, draft, or written order is less than $150.; 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 stopping payment with intent to defraud classified in Florida?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stopping payment with intent to defraud ($150 or more) | Felony of the Third Degree | The value of the goods or services secured for or on account of the check, draft, or written order is $150 or more. | Fla. Stat. § 832.041(1) |
| Stopping payment with intent to defraud (less than $150) | Misdemeanor of the Second Degree | The value of the goods or services secured for or on account of the check, draft, or written order is less than $150. | Fla. Stat. § 832.041(1) |
Common questions about stopping payment with intent to defraud in Florida
Is stopping payment with intent to defraud a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
It depends on the circumstances: stopping payment with intent to defraud ranges from a Misdemeanor of the Second Degree to a Felony of the Third Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 832.041.
Stopping payment with intent to defraud ($150 or more): Felony of the Third Degree (Fla. Stat. § 832.041(1)) · Stopping payment with intent to defraud (less than $150): Misdemeanor of the Second Degree (Fla. Stat. § 832.041(1))
What are the penalties for stopping payment with intent to defraud in Florida?
Penalties for stopping payment with intent to defraud in Florida depend on how it is classified — from a Misdemeanor of the Second 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 stopping payment with intent to defraud?
Stopping payment with intent to defraud is governed by Fla. Stat. § 832.041 (Stopping payment with intent to defraud).
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.