Florida’s “10-20-Life” Law & Firearms

If you or a loved one is facing charges involving Florida’s “10-20-Life” law, you’re probably scared, confused, and wondering what happens next. That’s understandable. This law takes sentencing out of the judge’s hands and replaces it with automatic prison terms-sometimes decades long. There’s no room for negotiation, no early release, no second chances built into the system. Even if no one was hurt, a conviction means time behind bars.

Here’s what’s important to remember: You are not your worst moment. One mistake shouldn’t define your entire life. And you don’t have to go through this alone.

What Is “10-20-Life”?

Florida created the “10-20-Life” law to impose mandatory prison sentences for certain felonies involving firearms. The sentencing works like this:

• 10 years if a firearm was in your possession during a qualifying felony.
• 20 years if the firearm was discharged.
• 25 years to life if someone was seriously injured or killed.

These are minimums, not guidelines. Judges have no discretion to give a lighter sentence, even if the circumstances don’t justify such severe punishment. And once sentenced, there’s no parole or early release-every single day of the mandatory minimum must be served.

What Types of Crimes Fall Under “10-20-Life”?

Not every gun-related offense triggers this law, but many serious felonies do, including:

• Robbery
• Burglary
• Aggravated assault
• Sexual battery
• Murder

Each of these crimes carries its own penalties, but if a gun is involved, “10-20-Life” adds even more time-often more than the base sentence for the crime itself.

Has the Law Changed?

Yes, but not by much. In 2016, Florida lawmakers adjusted “10-20-Life” after years of criticism. The biggest change was allowing judges more discretion in aggravated assault cases, where the law had been used to impose extreme sentences even when no one was injured. But for most other offenses, the mandatory minimums remain the same.

Why Is This Law So Harsh?

Supporters believe harsh penalties deter gun violence, but in practice, “10-20-Life” often leads to devastatingly unfair outcomes. Imagine a young person making a terrible decision, carrying a gun during a crime they never intended to commit. Or someone firing a warning shot out of fear, only to be treated like a violent offender. These cases happen more often than you’d think, and the law doesn’t allow judges to consider the context or intent.

What Can You Do?

A defense attorney’s role in a “10-20-Life” is to find ways to challenge the charges, reduce the sentence, or even get the case dismissed. Prosecutors must prove the defendant possessed or used a firearm during a qualifying felony, and a strong defense can dispute whether the gun was actually in the defendant’s control.

In some cases, attorneys can negotiate charge reductions to offenses that don’t trigger mandatory minimums, such as lowering aggravated assault to simple assault. If a firearm was discharged, proving it was accidental or fired in self-defense could prevent the harsher 20-year sentence.

Even after sentencing, appeals or legal changes could provide post-conviction relief. The earlier a defense strategy is built, the better the chances of avoiding the full force of this law. If you or a loved one is facing charges under “10-20-Life,” the most important thing you can do is act fast. The legal system is intimidating, but the team at Petkovich Law Firm understands what’s at stake, and we’re here to help. Call (305) 358-8003 to talk about your case.