Drug trafficking is the most serious of all drug crimes in Florida as it is in other states. This offense is generally drug activity carried out on a larger scale than other drug crimes. It can involve bringing illegal drugs into the state as well as engaging in substantial quantities of drugs in operations such as sale, purchase, transportation, delivery, cultivation, and manufacture. In cases involving interstate transportation and distribution, it may be investigated and prosecuted at the federal level with more serious penalties than for smaller-scale operations.
“Trafficking” in drugs is based on statutory amounts seized for each individual type of drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and more. If you are found with these statutory quantities, you will be charged with trafficking and face subsequent penalties. Like other states, Florida aggressively pursues and prosecutes anyone found with trafficking amounts of drugs whether they consider themselves a drug dealer or not.
Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Florida
Penalties for trafficking in controlled dangerous substances can include:
- Lengthy prison sentences, including mandatory-minimums
- Hefty fines
- Long probation periods
- Forfeiture of personal property linked to the crime, such as homes, cars, cash, and other property
Penalties may be enhanced the greater the quantity of drugs are involved as well as for individuals who have prior felony criminal convictions. How you are charged and the penalties you will face will depend on these factors as well as the type of drug found in your possession.
Examples of common drug trafficking penalties include:
- 25 – 2,000 pounds of marijuana: three years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000
- 2000 – 10,000 pounds of marijuana: seven years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000
- 10,000 pounds or more of marijuana: 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000
- 28 up to 200 grams of cocaine: three years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000
- 200 – 400 grams of cocaine: seven years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000
- 400 grams up to 150 kilograms of cocaine: 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000
- 4 – 14 grams of heroin: Three years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000
- 14 – 28 grams of heroin: 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000
- 28 grams up to 30 kilograms of heroin: 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000
- 30 kilograms or more of heroin: life in prison and a fine of up to $500,000
- 14 – 28 grams of hydrocodone: three years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000
- 28 – 50 grams of hydrocodone: seven years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000
- 50 – 200 grams of hydrocodone: 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000
- 200 grams up to 30 kilograms of hydrocodone: 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000
Work with a Former Prosecutor
If you are facing a state or federal drug trafficking crime in Seminole County, we urge you to get in touch with The Law Office of David A. Webster, P.A. Our firm provides representation that includes 25 years of combined professional experience shared among our legal team, national recognition by Martindale-Hubbell®, (a legal industry organization that rates attorneys for ability and ethical standards), as well as recognition as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers. We remain available to you 24/7.
Reach out to us at or schedule a free, initial consultation online today.
