In the State of Florida simple possession of a small amount of various drugs are classified as a third degree felony punishable by up to five years in Florida State Prison. A small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia (rolling papers, pipes, etc.) are classified as a Misdemeanor of the first degree punishable up to 364 days in the county jail.

Typically the greater the amount in possession will increase the charge to possession with intent to distribute, a second degree felony punishable up to 15 years in Florida State Prison, or even trafficking charges resulting minimum mandatory prison time.

A persons may be charged with possession of drugs and or paraphernalia even if the drugs are simply in their immediate location (and, not physically on their person).

In the State of Florida it is illegal for an individual to “Doctor Shop”. This means it is illegal for a person to obtain multiple lawful prescriptions from different doctors for the same drug alleging the same medical condition without informing the doctors that the others exist. The State of Florida has implemented a Prescription Drug Monitoring System that will catch individuals engaging in this type of activity and report it to law enforcement. Violation of this law is also a third degree felony punishable by up to five years in Florida State Prison.