Drug trafficking laws in Florida prohibit distributing or selling controlled substances. A conviction for this offense can result in mandatory minimum prison time along with hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.
Review the possible Florida penalties for transporting or possessing drugs with intent to sell.
Cocaine trafficking
Florida considers possession of more than 28 g of cocaine trafficking, a first-degree felony in the state. A convicted person could receive a $50,000 fine and a mandatory minimum of three years in prison.
For 200 to 400 g, the penalty includes a $100,000 fine and a mandatory minimum of seven years in prison. Possession of a larger amount of cocaine carries a $250,000 fine and at least 15 years in prison.
Other trafficking offenses
Trafficking charges apply to possession of more than 4 g of heroin, hallucinogens, amphetamines, methamphetamines, morphine, fentanyl and prescription opiates. Trafficking up to 14 g of these substances carries the same penalties as up to 28 g of cocaine.
For 14 to 28 g, a convicted person receives the same penalties as for 200 to 400 g of cocaine. Larger amounts of the substances in this category result in $500,000 in fines and at least 25 years in prison.
Common defenses to Florida drug trafficking offenses include entrapment and illegal search and seizure. An individual can receive charges of drug trafficking for possession exceeding these amounts even if he or she has not distributed a controlled substance. Some extenuating circumstances carry higher penalties, such as cases involving drug sales in a school zone or to a minor.