Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

Is burglary classified as a felony?

1. True

2. False

3. It varies by state

4. Only if it involves theft

The correct answer is: True

Burglary is classified as a felony in Florida and many other jurisdictions due to the seriousness of the crime. It typically involves entering a building or structure with the intent to commit a crime therein, which can include theft, but also other crimes such as vandalism or assault. The nature of the violation—specifically the intent to commit a crime while unlawfully entering a dwelling, storage facility, or similar structure—raises the offense to a felony level because it poses a significant threat to public safety and security. The classification as a felony allows for more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences and higher fines. Additionally, a felony conviction can have long-lasting effects on a person’s life, impacting their ability to gain employment, housing, and other essential aspects of living. In some jurisdictions or specific situations, there might be distinctions in the degree of burglary based on factors like whether it was committed in a dwelling or non-dwelling, or whether there were aggravating factors involved. However, the foundational classification of burglary remains a felony offense overall.