Fla. Stat. § 893.13(1)(c)

Drug Sales in a
Protected Zone

Where a drug sale happens can matter as much as what was sold. Within 1,000 feet of a school, park, or other protected place, the charge is enhanced — sometimes with a mandatory minimum.

Attorney-Reviewed Statute Resource
Reviewed by Jeff T. Gorman, Criminal Defense Attorney & Former 19th Circuit Prosecutor (Fla. Bar #538183). Last reviewed: June 2026

The Protected Zones

Under § 893.13(1)(c)–(e), selling, delivering, or possessing with intent to sell a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of certain places elevates the charge. Protected zones include schools, child care facilities, parks, community centers, public housing, places of worship, and (added in recent years) substance-abuse treatment centers.

The Governing Statute
Fla. Stat. § 893.13(1)(c) — Sale Within 1,000 Feet of a School
"A person may not sell, manufacture, or deliver, or possess with intent to sell … a controlled substance … in, on, or within 1,000 feet of … a child care facility … [or] the real property comprising a public or private … school."
Read the full statute on Online Sunshine →

The enhancement typically raises the felony degree and can add a 3-year mandatory minimum — and it applies regardless of whether any children or protected persons were actually present.

The Actual Penalties

Protected-Zone Enhancement — Penalties
Sale within 1,000 feet of a school (Schedule I/II drugs): first-degree felony — up to 30 years, with a 3-year mandatory minimum.

The exact degree and minimum depend on the substance and the specific protected place involved.

Selling drugs near a substance-abuse treatment center was recently elevated to a first-degree felony.

What a Defense Attorney Looks For

  • The 1,000-foot measurement. Whether the location truly falls within the zone — measured precisely — is often contestable and can remove the enhancement entirely.
  • Whether the place qualifies as a statutory protected zone.
  • The underlying sale. If the State can’t prove the sale or intent, the enhancement falls with it.
  • Suppression of unlawfully obtained evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for selling drugs near a school in Florida?
Under § 893.13(1)(c), selling Schedule I/II drugs within 1,000 feet of a school is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years, with a 3-year mandatory minimum — regardless of whether children were present.
How is the 1,000-foot zone measured in Florida?
It is measured as a straight-line distance from the protected place. Because the measurement is precise, whether a sale actually occurred within the zone is often a key, contestable issue.
Does the school zone enhancement apply if no children were around?
Yes. The enhancement applies based on location alone — it does not require that children or other protected persons were actually present at the time.

Charged Under This Statute?

A statute on a page is not the same as your case. Talk to an attorney who has handled these charges — free, confidential.

This page summarizes Fla. Stat. § 893.13(1)(c) for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Statutes change; while this page is reviewed by a licensed Florida attorney, always verify the current text on the official Online Sunshine source or consult an attorney about your specific situation. Serving Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties.