Florida criminal charge
Trespass upon grounds or facilities of a school; penalties; arrest in Florida
Trespass upon grounds or facilities of a school; penalties; arrest is a criminal offense under Florida law, defined by Fla. Stat. § 810.097. 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. § 810.097.
What is the penalty for trespass upon grounds or facilities of a school; penalties; arrest in Florida?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 60 days (Trespass on school grounds without authorization or as suspended/expelled student — A person without legitimate business or authorization to be on campus, or a student currently under suspension or expulsion, enters or remains on school property.; county jail, not state prison (s. 775.08(2))) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $500 (Trespass on school grounds without authorization or as suspended/expelled student — A person without legitimate business or authorization to be on campus, or a student currently under suspension or expulsion, enters or remains on school property.; 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 (Trespass on school grounds after being directed to leave — A person enters or remains on school campus or facility after being directed by the principal or designee to leave or not enter.; county jail, not state prison (s. 775.08(2))) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Trespass on school grounds after being directed to leave — A person enters or remains on school campus or facility after being directed by the principal or designee to leave or not enter.; 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 trespass upon grounds or facilities of a school; penalties; arrest classified in Florida?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trespass on school grounds without authorization or as suspended/expelled student | Misdemeanor of the Second Degree | A person without legitimate business or authorization to be on campus, or a student currently under suspension or expulsion, enters or remains on school property. | Fla. Stat. § 810.097(1) |
| Trespass on school grounds after being directed to leave | Misdemeanor of the First Degree | A person enters or remains on school campus or facility after being directed by the principal or designee to leave or not enter. | Fla. Stat. § 810.097(2) |
Common questions about trespass upon grounds or facilities of a school; penalties; arrest in Florida
Is trespass upon grounds or facilities of a school; penalties; arrest a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
It depends on the circumstances: trespass upon grounds or facilities of a school; penalties; arrest ranges from a Misdemeanor of the Second Degree to a Misdemeanor of the First Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 810.097.
Trespass on school grounds without authorization or as suspended/expelled student: Misdemeanor of the Second Degree (Fla. Stat. § 810.097(1)) · Trespass on school grounds after being directed to leave: Misdemeanor of the First Degree (Fla. Stat. § 810.097(2))
What are the penalties for trespass upon grounds or facilities of a school; penalties; arrest in Florida?
Penalties for trespass upon grounds or facilities of a school; penalties; arrest 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 trespass upon grounds or facilities of a school; penalties; arrest?
Trespass upon grounds or facilities of a school; penalties; arrest is governed by Fla. Stat. § 810.097 (Trespass upon grounds or facilities of a school; penalties; arrest).
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.