William "Willie" N. Meggs

State Attorney, 2nd Judicial Circuit

What Are the Penalties For Passing Worthless Checks?

    Worthless checks (usually referred to by the acronym PWBC - Passing Worthless Bank Checks) are either 1st degree Misdemeanors or 3rd degree Felonies under Florida law. A 1st degree Misdemeanor can mean up to one year in a County Jail and a $1,000.00 fine, while a 3rd degree Felony can mean up to five years in a State Prison and a $5,000.00 fine. Most first offenders, if they haven't taken advantage of the Diversion Program, may receive a probationary sentence that may include financial counseling, payment of restitution, payment of Diversion Program fees to the State Attorney's Office, community service work, and court costs.