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Florida Criminal Offense

County Detention Facility Contraband

Unauthorized introduction, possession, exchange, removal, or attempted removal of listed contraband involving a county detention facility or inmate.

VariesVaries

Florida Statute

§ 951.22

County detention facilities; contraband articles

View Official Florida Statute

Verified against the 2026 Florida Statutes: September 14, 2026

Quick Summary

Identify the prohibited act, the item, the detention-facility or inmate connection, authorization status, and the applicable classification track.

Classification Matrix

Use this as a quick classification reference. Specific facts, statutory circumstances, and charging allegations may affect the applicable result.

Contraband Tracks

F.S. § 951.22

VariesVaries

The statute assigns misdemeanor or felony classifications according to the prohibited item and conduct; verify the exact paragraph before charging.

Communications, Money, Food, Clothing, Tobacco, Alcohol, or Vapor Device

F.S. § 951.22(1)(a)-(g), (l); (2)

MisdemeanorFirst Degree

Unauthorized conduct involving the articles listed in paragraphs (1)(a)-(g) or (1)(l).

Drugs, Weapons, Escape Aids, or Cellular/Portable Communication Devices

F.S. § 951.22(1)(h)-(k); (2)

FelonyThird Degree

Unauthorized conduct involving the articles listed in paragraphs (1)(h)-(k).

Elements of the Offense

Elements marked AND are cumulative. Elements marked OR identify statutory alternatives; one applicable alternative must be established when that theory is charged. Conditional elements apply only to the identified statutory track.

  1. Element 1
    OR — Alternative

    One prohibited conduct track

    Without authorization, the defendant committed one listed act involving an article and a county detention facility or inmate.

    Plain language: Select the exact unauthorized conduct track.

  2. Element 2
    AND — Required

    All required

    The defendant knew of the presence of the article; the article was prohibited by the applicable subsection; and the required facility or inmate connection was present.

    Plain language: Prove knowledge and identify the exact contraband class.

Jury Instructions

Instruction 25.17

Contraband in County Detention Facility

Florida Standard Jury Instruction for the applicable contraband track under F.S. § 951.22.

View Official Instruction

Verified against the official instruction source: September 14, 2026

Additional Notes

Match Item to Subsection

Classification depends on the item and conduct. Confirm the facility's status, authorization, custody connection, item type, and whether the person introduced, possessed, transferred, received, or removed it.