# Fla. Stat. § 775.08: 775.08 Classes and definitions of offenses

> Florida · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXLVI_C775_S775.08

## Section

- **Citation:** Fla. Stat. § 775.08
- **Heading:** 775.08 Classes and definitions of offenses
- **Jurisdiction:** Florida
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Florida Code / Title XLVI / Chapter 775 / Section 775.08

## Text

When used in the laws of this state:

(1) The term “felony” shall mean any criminal offense that is punishable under the laws of this state, or that would be punishable if committed in this state, by death or imprisonment in a state penitentiary. “State penitentiary” shall include state correctional facilities. A person shall be imprisoned in the state penitentiary for each sentence which, except an extended term, exceeds 1 year.

(2) The term “misdemeanor” shall mean any criminal offense that is punishable under the laws of this state, or that would be punishable if committed in this state, by a term of imprisonment in a county correctional facility, except an extended term, not in excess of 1 year. The term “misdemeanor” shall not mean a conviction for any noncriminal traffic violation of any provision of chapter 316 or any municipal or county ordinance.

(3) The term “noncriminal violation” shall mean any offense that is punishable under the laws of this state, or that would be punishable if committed in this state, by no other penalty than a fine, forfeiture, or other civil penalty. A noncriminal violation does not constitute a crime, and conviction for a noncriminal violation shall not give rise to any legal disability based on a criminal offense. The term “noncriminal violation” shall not mean any conviction for any violation of any municipal or county ordinance. Nothing contained in this code shall repeal or change the penalty for a violation of any municipal or county ordinance.

(4) The term “crime” shall mean a felony or misdemeanor.

History: s. 1(11), ch. 1637, 1868; RS 2352; GS 3176; RGS 5006; CGL 7105; s. 1, ch. 71-136; s. 4, ch. 74-383; s. 1, ch. 75-298; s. 1, ch. 88-196.

## Nearby sections

- [Fla. Stat. § 775.01 775.01 Common law of England.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXLVI_C775_S775.01.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 775.02 775.02 Punishment of common-law offenses.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXLVI_C775_S775.02.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 775.03 775.03 Benefit of clergy.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXLVI_C775_S775.03.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 775.04 775.04 What penal acts or omissions not public offenses.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXLVI_C775_S775.04.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 775.08 775.08 Classes and definitions of offenses.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXLVI_C775_S775.08.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 775.011 775.011 Short title; applicability to antecedent offenses.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXLVI_C775_S775.011.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 775.012 775.012 General purposes.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXLVI_C775_S775.012.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 775.13 775.13 Registration of convicted felons, exemptions; penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXLVI_C775_S775.13.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 775.14 775.14 Limitation on withheld sentences.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXLVI_C775_S775.14.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 775.15 775.15 Time limitations; general time limitations; exceptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXLVI_C775_S775.15.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 775.16 775.16 Drug offenses; additional penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXLVI_C775_S775.16.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 775.021 775.021 Rules of construction.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXLVI_C775_S775.021.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 775.21 775.21 The Florida Sexual Predators Act.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXLVI_C775_S775.21.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 775.022 775.022 Effect of reenactment or amendment of criminal statutes; references in criminal statutes.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXLVI_C775_S775.022.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXLVI_C775_S775.08. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.