Is the 25 year minimum mandatory in Florida?

Asked by: Dixie Sauer  |  Last update: April 9, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (15 votes)

Florida's “10-20-Life” law, is a criminal statute, § 775.087, that requires judges to order mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years, 20 years, or 25 years to life for the commission of certain convictions for felonies involving the use or attempted use of a firearm or destructive device.

Does Florida have mandatory minimums?

In 1999, Florida enacted the "10-20-Life" mandatory minimum sentence law, formally known as Florida Statute 775.087. This law applies to the use of a firearm during a violent felony. The "10-20-Life" law refers to the Florida mandatory minimum sentences that these felonies are punishable by.

What percentage of a sentence must be served in Florida?

Since October 1, 1995, Florida Statute 944.275 has mandated that all state prisoners must serve no less than 85% of their sentence. Eighteen states and the District of Columbia now require prisoners serve 85% of their sentence.

Do you get gain time on a minimum mandatory sentence in Florida?

Depending on the drug and amount, you could get a 3-year min man, a 7-year min man, a 15-year min man, or a 25-year min man. But the good news is, every single one of these is eligible for gain time. All drug trafficking's are eligible for gain time.

What is the mandatory minimum for drug trafficking in Florida?

Possession of more than 25 pounds or 300 plants, though, hits the trafficking threshold and puts you in line for a potential mandatory minimum three-year prison term and a $25,000 fine. Other minimum thresholds to support a trafficking charge for Florida's most popular illegal drugs include: Cocaine—28 grams.

Are There Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Trafficking Narcotics in Florida?

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Can a mandatory minimum sentence be reduced in Florida?

The concept of mandatory minimum sentencing laws is fairly simple: for certain crimes, a convicted defendant must serve a minimum punishment. When these laws apply, judges have zero discretion to decrease the mandated punishments.

What is the mandatory minimum sentence for drug possession?

Federal Drug Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Possession

For possession, you won't be required to serve a mandatory minimum sentence, unless you have a prior drug conviction from federal or another state jurisdiction, then you'll be sentenced to no less than 15 days of incarceration with a maximum of up to two years.

What is the 85% rule in Florida?

vi. For crimes committed on or after October 1, 1995, inmates are required to serve 85% of each sentence imposed.

How much time is served for a 10 year sentence?

In federal court you will have to serve 85% of your sentence if convicted of federal charges. Thus, if you are sentenced to 10 years in prison, you will actually serve 8.5 years in prison. However, for most state felony convictions, you will only serve 50% of your actual sentence.

What is 85% of a three year sentence?

3 years is 36 months. 85% of 36 months is 30.6 months.

What is the 65% rule in Florida?

(The 85% or 65% is the minimum amount of the sentence length that must be served.) In order to make 65% gain-time work, prisoners must be able to earn 20 days/month of incentive gain-time, up from the current 10/days/month.

How much time do you serve on a 10 year sentence in Florida?

For example, under Florida law, if a judge sentences a defendant to 10 years prison–that prisoner may be released after serving only 8 ½ years, because Florida's Department of Corrections (and Florida Statutes, really) allow a maximum “gain time” of 1 ½ years on a ten year sentence.

What are the new sentencing guidelines for Florida?

The 2024 Florida Statutes
  • (a) Sentencing is neutral with respect to race, gender, and social and economic status.
  • (b) The primary purpose of sentencing is to punish the offender. ...
  • (c) The penalty imposed is commensurate with the severity of the primary offense and the circumstances surrounding the primary offense.

What is the 10-20-Life rule in Florida?

Under Florida law:

producing a firearm during certain felony crimes mandates a 10-year sentence; firing the gun mandates a 20-year sentence, and shooting someone during the commission of a felony mandates a minimum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

Are mandatory minimums still a thing?

Mandatory minimums are legal provisions in each state and the federal government that require a specific minimum prison term for certain crimes, regardless of individual circumstances.

What is the lowest sentence for a felony?

Most felonies, however, come with determinate sentences and three possible terms judges can choose from (lower, middle and upper). The lowest possible sentencing for a felony is 16 months, two years or three years. But many felonies such as first-degree robbery, carry a sentence of three to nine years.

How much time do you serve on a 25 year federal sentence?

Federal inmates serve an average of 85% of their sentence, which means that they are required to serve a minimum of 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible for release. This policy, known as good time credit, is in place to incentivize positive behavior and reduce the risk of recidivism.

What is the 25 to life sentence?

Sometimes indeterminate sentences contain a number of years before the life sentence part, as in 25 years to life. This timeframe gives the judge leeway for assigning the minimum years, as well as the point at which the possibility of parole can be reached.

Does turning yourself in reduce your sentence?

There are so many things that factor into sentencing that there is no way to say “turning yourself in will cut off 2yrs or 60% of your sentence.” In general, in the US plea deals result in less harsh punishments because you are saving the state the time, money and uncertainty of a trial.

What is the 50% rule in Florida?

The 50% Rule is a regulation of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that prohibits improvements to a structure exceeding 50% of its market value unless the entire structure is brought into full compliance with current flood regulations.

What is the 25 rule in Florida?

Florida Building Code Section 706.1.1

Not more than 25 percent of the total roof area or roof section of any existing building or structure shall be repaired, replaced or recovered in any 12-month period unless the entire existing roofing system or roof section is replaced to conform to requirements of this code.

What is the 7 year rule in Florida?

According to the FCRA's “7-year rule,” for example, certain criminal records must be removed from an applicant's history after seven years. These records include civil lawsuits, judgments against an applicant, arrest records, and paid tax liens. The FCRA also imposes a few additional restrictions on Florida employers.

What are the mandatory minimums in Florida?

Violent crimes such as murder, sexual battery, and armed burglary carry strict minimum sentences in Florida, which are as follows: First-degree murder: Mandatory life imprisonment without parole. Attempted murder: Minimum sentence of 10 years. Sexual battery of a child under 12: Minimum sentence of 25 years to life.

How long is 63 months in the feds?

If you are sentenced to 63 months (5 years and 3 months) in a federal prison, how long will you have to serve?

Can a mandatory minimum sentence be reduced?

However, despite the name, in some cases, mandatory minimum sentences can be avoided or reduced in two ways: by providing “substantial assistance” to police and prosecutors or through what's called the “safety valve” exception.