Drug Trafficking Sentencing Chart: Minimum Mandatory Sentences
Drug trafficking offenses in Florida are typically charged as first-degree felonies. These offenses are generally punishable by up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. However, some drug trafficking charges can carry a life sentence, as specified in Florida Statutes 775.082 and 775.083.
Florida law requires mandatory minimum prison sentences and a mandatory fine for most trafficking convictions. Specific sentences based on the type of drug and the amount or weight involved are laid out in Statute 893.135 — the Florida drug trafficking statute. If you face drug trafficking charges, call 407-644-2466 to talk to an experienced Orlando drug trafficking defense attorney at the Rivas Law Firm.
What Is Considered Drug Trafficking in Florida?
Under Florida law, drug trafficking occurs when someone knowingly:
- Sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or imports certain Schedule I or II controlled substances, or
- Has actual or constructive possession of these substances
The charge applies when the amount of the drug meets or exceeds specific quantities.
Quantity Thresholds and Minimum Mandatory Penalties for Drug Trafficking Sentencing in Florida
Drug trafficking sentencing begins with a certain amount or weight that varies for each controlled substance. Below are the threshold amounts that trigger trafficking charges in Florida according to Statute 893.135. (Penalties for fentanyl trafficking have been increased.*):
Trafficking in Cannabis (Marijuana)
- 25-2,000 pounds (300-2000 plants): 3 years & $25,000 fine
- 2,000-10,000 pounds/plants: 7 years & $50,000 fine
- 10,000+ pounds/plants: 15 years & $200,000 fine
Trafficking in Cocaine
- 28-200 grams: 3 years & $50,000 fine
- 200-400 grams: 7 years & $100,000 fine
- 400 grams-150 kilograms: 15 years & $250,000 fine
Trafficking in Heroin
- 4-14 grams: 3 years & $50,000 fine
- 14-28 grams: 15 years & $100,000 fine
- 28 grams-30 kilograms: 25 years & $500,000 fine
- 30+ kilograms: life in prison & $500,000 fine
*Trafficking in Fentanyl
*These tougher penalties for fentanyl trafficking take effect on Oct. 1, 2025
- 4-14g: 7 years, $50,000 fine
- 14-28g: 20 years, $100,000 fine
- 28g or more: 25 years, $500,000 fine
Trafficking in GHB
- 1-5kg: 3 years, $50,000 fine
- 5-10kg: 7 years, $100,000 fine
- 10kg+: 15 years, $250,000 fine
Trafficking in Hydrocodone
- 14-28g: 3 years, $50,000 fine
- 28-50g: 7 years, $100,000 fine
- 50-200g: 15 years, $500,000 fine
- 200g-30kg: 25 years, $750,000 fine
Trafficking in LSD
- 1-5g: 3 years, $50,000 fine
- 5-7g: 7 years, $100,000 fine
- 7g+: 15 years, $500,000 fine
Trafficking in MDMA (Ecstasy)
- 10-200g: 3 years, $50,000 fine
- 200-400g: 7 years, $100,000 fine
- 400g+: 15 years, $250,000 fine
Trafficking in Methamphetamine
- 14-28g: 3 years, $50,000 fine
- 28-200g: 7 years, $100,000 fine
- 200g+: 15 years, $250,000 fine
Trafficking in Oxycodone
- 7-14g: 3 years, $50,000 fine
- 14-25g: 7 years, $100,000 fine
- 25-100g: 15 years, $500,000 fine
- 100g-30kg: 25 years, $750,000 fine
Orlando Criminal Attorney on Drug Trafficking Sentencing
An experienced and aggressive drug trafficking defense attorney can use various tactics to contest the evidence and procedures involved:
Challenging Evidence and Procedures
- Questioning Knowledge and Possession: In numerous instances, there may be valid doubts regarding the defendant’s awareness and actual possession of illegal substances.
- Scrutinizing Due Process: Defense lawyers can examine whether proper legal procedures were followed throughout the investigation and arrest.
- Contesting Search Warrants: The defense can question the validity and execution of search warrants.
- Examining Evidence Handling: Attorneys can investigate chain of custody and proper handling of evidence.
- Reviewing Crime Lab Procedures: Your defense lawyer can challenge the reliability and accuracy of crime lab tests.
By aggressively examining these aspects, a defense attorney will work to protect their client’s rights and to weaken the prosecution’s case. For more about drug trafficking sentencing, call 407-644-2466 to speak with an Orlando criminal defense attorney at the Rivas Law Firm.
