Which penalty is associated with a First-Degree Misdemeanor violation?

• A. $1000 fine and/or imprisonment up to 1 year
• B. Fine up to $500 and/or imprisonment up to 60 days
• C. Fine up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to 5 years
• D. Civil penalty only

Answer: (A)

A First-Degree Misdemeanor in Florida carries up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, or both. This level is the most serious misdemeanor, harsher than a second-degree misdemeanor (which caps at 60 days in jail and $500) but not a felony. The other options reflect penalties for other offense levels—either a shorter jail term and smaller fine, a much longer term and higher fine for felonies, or civil penalties only, which isn’t how misdemeanors are punished.