Fla. Stat. § 893.13(7)

Prescription Fraud

Forged prescriptions, altered scripts, and "doctor shopping" are all felonies in Florida — and the state’s prescription database makes them easy to detect. Here is the law.

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

What the Statute Covers

Under § 893.13(7), it is a crime to obtain or try to obtain a controlled substance through fraud, forgery, deception, or misrepresentation. This includes forging or altering a prescription, using someone else’s, or "doctor shopping" — failing to disclose to a prescriber that you’ve received the same or similar drugs from another practitioner within the past 30 days.

The Governing Statute
Fla. Stat. § 893.13(7) — Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud
"It is unlawful for any person to … acquire or obtain, or attempt to acquire or obtain, possession of a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge."
Read the full statute on Online Sunshine →

Florida’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) tracks controlled-substance prescriptions statewide, which is how many of these cases are detected.

The Actual Penalties

Prescription Fraud — Statutory Penalties
Obtaining by fraud / forged prescription / doctor shopping: Third-degree felony — up to 5 years in prison, up to $5,000 fine.

Multiple counts are common (each fraudulent script can be a separate charge), and a conviction creates a permanent felony record.

What a Defense Attorney Looks For

  • Intent. The State must prove knowing fraud or deception — not an innocent mistake or miscommunication with a provider.
  • The doctor-shopping disclosure element — whether the required 30-day disclosure actually applied and was actually omitted.
  • Underlying addiction — which may open the door to treatment-based resolutions or drug court rather than incarceration.
  • The search of PDMP and medical records and whether it was properly obtained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is doctor shopping a felony in Florida?
Yes. Under § 893.13(7), failing to disclose to a prescriber that you obtained the same or similar controlled substance from another practitioner within the prior 30 days is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years.
What happens if you forge a prescription in Florida?
Forging or altering a prescription for a controlled substance is a third-degree felony under § 893.13(7), carrying up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Multiple scripts can mean multiple counts.
Can prescription fraud lead to drug court instead of prison?
Sometimes. Where the conduct is driven by addiction, a defense attorney may be able to pursue drug court or a treatment-based resolution, especially for a first offense. Eligibility depends on the charge and record.

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(7) 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.