Florida criminal charge
Vessel homicide in Florida
Vessel homicide is a criminal offense under Florida law, defined by Fla. Stat. § 782.072. 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. § 782.072.
What is the penalty for vessel homicide in Florida?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 15 years (Vessel homicide — base offense — Applies to vessel homicide generally, absent the aggravating circumstances described in (2)(b).) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Vessel homicide — base offense — Applies to vessel homicide generally, absent the aggravating circumstances described in (2)(b).; 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 30 years (Vessel homicide — failure to render aid after known accident — Applies when at the time of the accident the person knew or should have known the accident occurred and failed to give information and render aid as required by s. 327.30(1).; when specifically provided by statute, a term of years not exceeding life imprisonment (s. 775.082(3)(b)1.)) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Vessel homicide — failure to render aid after known accident — Applies when at the time of the accident the person knew or should have known the accident occurred and failed to give information and render aid as required by s. 327.30(1).; 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 vessel homicide classified in Florida?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vessel homicide — base offense | Felony of the Second Degree | Applies to vessel homicide generally, absent the aggravating circumstances described in (2)(b). | Fla. Stat. § 782.072(2)(a) |
| Vessel homicide — failure to render aid after known accident | Felony of the First Degree | Applies when at the time of the accident the person knew or should have known the accident occurred and failed to give information and render aid as required by s. 327.30(1). | Fla. Stat. § 782.072(2)(b) |
Common questions about vessel homicide in Florida
Is vessel homicide a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
It depends on the circumstances: vessel homicide ranges from a Felony of the Second Degree to a Felony of the First Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 782.072.
Vessel homicide — base offense: Felony of the Second Degree (Fla. Stat. § 782.072(2)(a)) · Vessel homicide — failure to render aid after known accident: Felony of the First Degree (Fla. Stat. § 782.072(2)(b))
What are the penalties for vessel homicide in Florida?
Penalties for vessel homicide in Florida depend on how it is classified — from a Felony of the Second Degree up to a Felony 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 vessel homicide?
Vessel homicide is governed by Fla. Stat. § 782.072 (Vessel homicide).
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.