How long does a criminal case take in Florida?

Longer than most people expect, and the variance is wide.

Misdemeanors frequently resolve in a few months, sometimes at the first or second court date where a resolution is available.

Felonies commonly run six months to more than a year. Cases involving forensic testing, multiple witnesses, extensive electronic evidence, or contested motions run longer.

What extends a case: lab backlogs, deposition scheduling across multiple witnesses, motion practice, continuances by either side, and court calendars.

What shortens it: early resolution, a straightforward case, or invoking speedy trial — with the significant caveats in the next two answers.

The reframe worth offering. Delay is uncomfortable and it's frequently useful. Time allows discovery to develop, memories on the State's side to fade, witnesses to become unavailable, and treatment or restitution to be completed before a resolution is negotiated. Cases that resolve quickly often resolve worse.