🚨 Drug Trafficking and Mandatory Minimum Sentences in Florida
Florida’s drug trafficking laws are some of the harshest in the country—and they don’t require proof of transportation, sales, or distribution. Instead, the weight of the substance alone can trigger a drug trafficking charge—even for personal use.
⚖️ What Is Drug Trafficking Under Florida Law?
Florida’s drug trafficking laws are some of the harshest in the country—and they don’t require proof of transportation, sales, or distribution. Instead, the weight of the substance alone can trigger a drug trafficking charge—even for personal use.
🧪 Examples:
- A small number of pills or grams divided across multiple containers can trigger intent-to-sell
- No need to prove actual delivery or exchange of money
Arrested on Drug Charges in Fort Lauderdale or ANywhere in south florida?
📊 Mandatory Minimum Sentences in Florida Drug Trafficking Cases
Drug trafficking charges in Florida carry mandatory minimum prison sentences and substantial fines, even for first-time offenders. Sentencing depends on:
- 📦 The type of drug
- ⚖️ The total weight
- 📁 Any prior criminal history
Below is a summarized breakdown of mandatory sentences for different drugs and quantities:
⛓️ Minimum Sentencing Overview (Select Examples)
| Drug & Quantity | Mandatory Minimum | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrocodone (14–28g) | 3 years | $50,000 |
| Oxycodone (7–14g) | 3 years | $50,000 |
| Cannabis (25 lbs or 30,000 plants) | 3 years | $50,000 |
| Cocaine (200–400g) | 7 years | $100,000 |
| MDMA (400g or more) | 15 years | $500,000 |
| LSD (7g or more) | 15 years | $250,000 |
| Hydrocodone (200g or more) | 25 years | $750,000 |
| Oxycodone (100g or more) | 25 years | $750,000 |
🛡️ Arrested for Drug Trafficking? You Need a Defense Strategy
If you’re facing drug trafficking charges in Florida, early legal intervention is crucial. Mandatory minimums leave judges with very little discretion, so your best chance lies in:
- Challenging the legality of the search or arrest
- Filing motions to suppress key evidence
- Arguing for charge reduction (e.g., possession instead of trafficking)
- Highlighting lack of knowledge or constructive possession
💬 Frequently Asked Questions: Florida Drug Trafficking Laws
Q1: What qualifies as drug trafficking in Florida?
A: In Florida, drug trafficking is based on the weight of the controlled substance—not whether you intended to sell or transport it. Exceeding certain weight thresholds triggers automatic trafficking charges.
Q2: Do all drug trafficking charges carry mandatory prison time in Florida?
A: Yes. Florida law imposes mandatory minimum sentences starting at 3 years and going up to 25 years, depending on the drug and quantity involved.
Q3: Can a drug trafficking charge be reduced to a lesser offense?
A: Yes. A skilled criminal defense attorney may be able to challenge the evidence, file a motion to suppress, or negotiate a reduction to simple possession or another lesser charge.
Q4: What drugs are most commonly charged as trafficking in Florida?
A: Common trafficking substances include cocaine, cannabis, heroin, fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, MDMA, methamphetamine, and LSD—based on specific weight thresholds.
Q5: What should I do if I’m charged with drug trafficking in Florida?
A: Contact a defense attorney immediately. Mandatory sentencing laws give you little room for error—early legal help can significantly improve your chances.