Arson in Florida

594
Total Cases
66.2%
Guilty Rate
2.0%
Dismissal Rate
11.1%
Withheld Rate
6.4 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 594 Arson cases across 21 Florida counties (2023-2025), the statewide guilty rate is 66.2% with a 2.0% dismissal rate. Adjudication was withheld in 11.1% of cases. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 6.4 years, with an average fine of $329.

2.0% of Arson cases in Florida are dismissed — but outcomes vary widely by county. A defense attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.

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Arson by County

County Cases Guilty Rate Withheld Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
Miami-Dade 89 71.9% 11.2% 3.4% 6.3 years
Hillsborough 68 48.5% 14.7% 1.5% 3.1 years
Palm Beach 51 68.6% 15.7% 2.0% 2.4 years
Duval 41 80.5% 12.2% 2.4% 7.1 years
Polk 35 51.4% 2.9% 0.0% 7.2 years
Pinellas 31 83.9% 0.0% 3.2% 6.7 years
Orange 29 58.6% 13.8% 0.0% 3.1 years
Leon 28 46.4% 17.9% 0.0% 2.3 years
Pasco 28 71.4% 14.3% 0.0% 26.2 years
Volusia 24 79.2% 8.3% 0.0% 13.6 years
Escambia 20 60.0% 0.0% 0.0% 10.5 years
Lee 20 75.0% 10.0% 0.0% 2.2 years
Bradford 19 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 7.9 years
Broward 19 47.4% 42.1% 10.5% 4.7 years
Marion 18 55.6% 5.6% 5.6% 6.5 years
Bay 17 47.1% 0.0% 0.0% 4.4 years
Santa Rosa 14 57.1% 14.3% 0.0% 3.2 years
Seminole 13 61.5% 30.8% 0.0% 4.6 years
Citrus 10 90.0% 0.0% 10.0% 5.3 years
Sarasota 10 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 4.4 years
St. Lucie 10 70.0% 0.0% 10.0% 7.5 years

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 165 69.1% 1.2% 5.9 years
2024 179 66.5% 1.7% 4.1 years
2025 234 62.8% 3.0% 7.3 years

Related Florida Statute

§ 806.01 — Arson
Florida Statute § 806.01 criminalizes the willful and unlawful damaging of any dwelling, structure, or property by fire or explosion. The offense ranges from second-degree felony to first-degree felony depending on circumstances such as occupancy and resulting injury or death.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Arson in Florida?
The statewide guilty rate for Arson is 66.2% based on 594 cases from 21 counties (2023-2025).
What is the dismissal rate for Arson in Florida?
The statewide dismissal rate for Arson is 2.0% across all Florida counties.
How does Arson sentencing vary by county?
Sentencing for Arson varies significantly by county. Browse the county breakdown table above to compare guilty rates, dismissal rates, and average sentences across all 21 counties.
What does adjudication withheld mean for Arson?
Adjudication withheld means the court found sufficient evidence of guilt but chose not to formally convict the defendant. This is unique to Florida and means the charge does not appear as a conviction on the defendant's record, though the arrest record remains. For Arson, adjudication is withheld in 11.1% of cases statewide.

Source: FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency · 594 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026