Understanding the 10-20-Life Law

Florida’s 10-20-Life is a law that requires courts to impose mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years, 20 years, or 25 years to life for certain felony convictions involving the use or attempted use of a firearm. Under the “10-20-life” law, courts must impose a:

• 10-year prison sentence on anyone convicted of committing or attempting to commit certain felonies (with certain exceptions), while armed with a firearm or destructive device;
• 20-year prison term if the accused fired the firearm; and
• 25-year to life term if the accused discharged the firearm and killed or seriously hurt someone.

Crimes that fall under the 10-20-life law include:

• Murder
• Arson
• Battery
• Aggravated battery
• Aggravated child abuse
• Assault/Aggravated assault
• Felony possession of a firearm
• Drug possession
• Drug trafficking
• Possession of a firearm by a felon
• Sexual battery
• Kidnapping
• Aggravated piracy
• Aggravated stalking
• Carjacking
• Home invasions