In additional to mandatory minimum prison terms, the Florida Legislature has also set mandatory fines for drug trafficking offenses.
Fine schedules are set based on the weight of the drug. The fines cannot be waived by the court, only by the State Attorney pursuant to a negotiated plea.
For the crime of trafficking in cannabis (marijuana), the fine is $25,000 for 25 pounds to 2,000 pounds (or 300 to 2,000 plants); $50,000 for 2,000 pounds to 10,000 pounds (or 2,000 to 10,000 plants); $200,000 for 10,000 pounds or more (or 10,000 plants or more).
For the crime of trafficking in cocaine, the fine is $50,000 for 28 grams to 200 grams; $100,000 for 200 grams to 400 grams; $250,000 for more than 400 grams.
For the crime of trafficking in morphine, opium, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, or heroin, the fine is $50,000 for 4 grams to 14 grams; $100,000 for 14 grams to 28 grams; $500,000 for more than 28 grams.
Every other substance carries a similar fine schedule. Fines must be paid as a condition of probation, if probation is imposed and the fine is not waived.
It is possible to get fines waived as part of a negotiated plea.
Eric Matheny is a criminal defense attorney serving Miami-Dade and Broward. Attorney Eric Matheny represents clients charged with drug trafficking crimes.