Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

A third-degree felony carries a maximum penalty of how many years in a state correctional facility?

1. 5 years

2. 10 years

3. 15 years

4. 20 years

The correct answer is: 5 years

A third-degree felony in Florida is defined as a crime that typically involves serious offenses but is less severe than first- or second-degree felonies. The maximum penalty associated with a third-degree felony is indeed 5 years in a state correctional facility. This reflects the structure of Florida's penal system, where the classification of felonies guides the sentencing outcomes. In contrast, second-degree felonies usually carry more significant penalties, extending up to 15 years, while first-degree felonies can lead to 30 years or even life imprisonment in certain cases. Understanding these classifications and their corresponding penalties is essential for comprehending the broader context of the criminal justice system and legal penalties in Florida.