Florida criminal charge
Tampering with or interfering with motor vehicles or trailers in Florida
Tampering with or interfering with motor vehicles or trailers is a criminal offense under Florida law, defined by Fla. Stat. § 860.17. 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. § 860.17.
What is the penalty for tampering with or interfering with motor vehicles or trailers in Florida?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 60 days (Tampering with motor vehicle or trailer (first offense) — Applies to a first violation of willfully, maliciously, or intentionally tampering with or interfering with another's motor vehicle or trailer causing cargo unloading/damage or mechanical impairment.; county jail, not state prison (s. 775.08(2))) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $500 (Tampering with motor vehicle or trailer (first offense) — Applies to a first violation of willfully, maliciously, or intentionally tampering with or interfering with another's motor vehicle or trailer causing cargo unloading/damage or mechanical impairment.; 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 (Tampering with motor vehicle or trailer (second or subsequent offense) — Applies when the person has a second or subsequent conviction under this section.; county jail, not state prison (s. 775.08(2))) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Tampering with motor vehicle or trailer (second or subsequent offense) — Applies when the person has a second or subsequent conviction under this section.; 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 tampering with or interfering with motor vehicles or trailers classified in Florida?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampering with motor vehicle or trailer (first offense) | Misdemeanor of the Second Degree | Applies to a first violation of willfully, maliciously, or intentionally tampering with or interfering with another's motor vehicle or trailer causing cargo unloading/damage or mechanical impairment. | Fla. Stat. § 860.17undefined |
| Tampering with motor vehicle or trailer (second or subsequent offense) | Misdemeanor of the First Degree | Applies when the person has a second or subsequent conviction under this section. | Fla. Stat. § 860.17undefined |
Common questions about tampering with or interfering with motor vehicles or trailers in Florida
Is tampering with or interfering with motor vehicles or trailers a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
It depends on the circumstances: tampering with or interfering with motor vehicles or trailers ranges from a Misdemeanor of the Second Degree to a Misdemeanor of the First Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 860.17.
Tampering with motor vehicle or trailer (first offense): Misdemeanor of the Second Degree (Fla. Stat. § 860.17) · Tampering with motor vehicle or trailer (second or subsequent offense): Misdemeanor of the First Degree (Fla. Stat. § 860.17)
What are the penalties for tampering with or interfering with motor vehicles or trailers in Florida?
Penalties for tampering with or interfering with motor vehicles or trailers in Florida depend on how it is classified — from a Misdemeanor of the Second Degree up to a Misdemeanor of the First 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 tampering with or interfering with motor vehicles or trailers?
Tampering with or interfering with motor vehicles or trailers is governed by Fla. Stat. § 860.17 (Tampering with or interfering with motor vehicles or trailers).
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.