Understanding Florida’s Habitual Offender Laws

In Florida, repeat offenders face more than just the standard sentence for a new charge — they may be classified as habitual offenders, leading to enhanced penalties and dramatically increased prison time.

At The Bonderud Law Firm, we represent clients facing enhanced sentencing due to prior convictions and fight to prevent the lifelong consequences of habitualization. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Habitual Felony Offender (HFO)?

Under Florida Statute § 775.084, the court may classify a person as a Habitual Felony Offender (HFO) if:

• The defendant has two or more prior felony convictions, and
• The current offense is a felony (other than a qualifying drug offense), and
• The new offense was committed while the defendant was serving a sentence or within five years of a prior conviction or release from prison

If classified as an HFO, the judge may impose longer maximum sentences — and in many cases, no possibility of early release.

Other Habitual Offender Classifications

Florida law also provides enhanced sentencing for:

• Habitual Violent Felony Offenders (HVFO):
  Prior violent felony convictions can lead to mandatory minimum prison sentences — including life imprisonment.
• Three-Time Violent Felony Offenders (3X VFO):
  A person convicted of three separate violent felonies may face enhanced penalties under this rule.
• Prison Releasee Reoffenders (PRR):
  If a person commits certain felonies within 3 years of being released from prison, they face mandatory maximum sentencing, with no eligibility for gain time or parole.

What Crimes Qualify for Habitual Status?

Habitual status may be applied to both violent and non-violent felonies, depending on the specific designation. Examples of qualifying offenses include:

• Robbery
• Burglary
• Aggravated assault or battery
• Armed theft
• Drug trafficking
• Sexual battery
• Certain weapons offenses

Notably, misdemeanors and juvenile offenses generally do not qualify for habitualization.

Can Habitual Offender Sentencing Be Challenged?

Yes. While prosecutors often seek habitual status, it is ultimately within the judge’s discretion to impose enhanced sentencing — unless the offense falls under PRR or mandatory enhancement statutes.

Your attorney may argue:

• The prior offenses are too remote in time
• The defendant has been rehabilitated
• The current offense is relatively minor
• The prior convictions are not qualifying offenses under the statute

A Repeat Offense Doesn’t Have to Mean a Life Sentence

If you’re facing a new charge and have prior convictions, you need immediate, strategic legal defense. Habitual offender enhancements can multiply your exposure to harsh sentencing — but with the right representation, there are often ways to fight back.

At The Bonderud Law Firm, we challenge enhancements, negotiate alternatives, and fight to keep clients out of long-term prison sentences. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.