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Florida Criminal Offense

Weapon or Firearm During Criminal Offense

Displaying, using, threatening to use, attempting to use, or carrying a covered weapon or firearm while committing or attempting a felony or while under indictment.

FelonyVaries

Florida Statute

§ 790.07

Persons engaged in criminal offense having weapons

View Official Florida Statute

Verified against the 2026 Florida Statutes: September 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The classification depends on whether the item is a weapon or firearm and whether there is a qualifying prior conviction under this section.

Classification Matrix

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

Weapon or Electric Weapon During Qualifying Offense

F.S. § 790.07(1)

FelonyThird Degree

Covered weapon or electric weapon conduct during a qualifying felony or while under indictment.

Firearm During Qualifying Felony

F.S. § 790.07(2)

FelonySecond Degree

Covered firearm conduct during a qualifying felony.

Repeat Violation

F.S. § 790.07(4)

FelonyFirst Degree

Qualifying weapon or firearm conduct after a prior conviction under section 790.07.

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
    AND — Required

    Required Facts

    While committing or attempting to commit a felony, or while under indictment, the defendant displayed, used, threatened or attempted to use a covered item, or carried it concealed.

    Plain language: The weapons conduct occurred in the statute's required criminal-offense context.

  2. Element 2
    AND — Required

    Required Facts

    The item and any qualifying prior conviction satisfy the charged subsection.

    Plain language: Weapon versus firearm, and a prior section 790.07 conviction, change the degree.

Jury Instructions

Instruction 10.3

Persons Engaged in Criminal Offense Having a Weapon or Firearm

Florida Standard Jury Instruction for F.S. § 790.07(1) and (2); select the charged weapon, firearm, use, display, threat, attempt, or concealed-carry alternative.

View Official Instruction

Verified against the official instruction source: September 13, 2026

Additional Notes

Quick Reference

Use the matrix to distinguish a weapon, a firearm, and the repeat-offender subsection. This section excludes specified economic offenses.