954-543-1186
Call Us Now
E-Mail Us Now
Traveling through the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is usually the start of a vacation or a business trip. But for some, a simple mistake or a serious allegation can turn a flight into a legal nightmare. If you are stopped by security for a weapon in your bag or accused of carrying illegal substances, the consequences start immediately. Law enforcement at FLL, including the Broward Sheriff’s Office and federal agents, takes airport security with the utmost seriousness.
When you are facing charges for airport crimes, your future depends on how you handle the next few days. The legal system moves fast, but we move faster to protect your interests. At George Reres Law, PA, we know that an arrest at the airport can make you feel like your life is falling apart. We are here to help you stand your ground and find a path forward.
Firearms and Weapons at Florida Airports
Florida has specific laws regarding where you can and cannot carry a firearm. Even though Florida recently changed laws regarding concealed carry, airports remain strictly regulated. Under Florida Statute § 790.06(12), there are several places where you are prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon or firearm, even if you have a valid license. This list includes any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages, courthouses, and specifically, the sterile areas of an airport (https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/790.06).
The sterile area of an airport refers to the part of the terminal past the security checkpoints. If you bring a gun to a TSA checkpoint in your carry-on bag, you are violating state and federal regulations. Many people make the mistake of forgetting a firearm is in their luggage after a long road trip or a busy week. Even so, the law does not always view forgetting as a complete excuse.
Criminal Penalties for Guns at FLL
If you carry a concealed firearm into a prohibited area of an airport and you have a permit, you could be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. According to Florida Statute § 775.082, this carries a penalty of up to 60 days in jail. Under Florida Statute § 775.083, it also includes a $500 fine (https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0775/Sections/0775.083.html). If you do not have a permit and carry a concealed firearm into the airport, the charge is often upgraded to a third-degree felony. A third-degree felony in Florida can result in up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine (https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0775/Sections/0775.082.html).
Beyond state jail time, you will also face the loss of your firearm rights and a permanent criminal record. This can prevent you from getting certain jobs or housing in the future. We work to prevent these outcomes by investigating every detail of the search and the intent behind the possession.
TSA Civil Penalties vs. State Criminal Charges
One of the most confusing parts of an airport arrest is the dual-track system. You will likely face two different legal battles at the same time. The first is the criminal case in the Florida state court. The second is a civil enforcement action by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
The TSA has the authority to impose heavy fines on travelers who bring prohibited items to a checkpoint. These fines are civil, meaning they are separate from any jail time or criminal fines. As of early 2025, the TSA maximum civil penalty for an individual is $17,062 per violation (https://www.tsa.gov/travel/civil-enforcement). For a first offense involving a firearm, the TSA civil penalty range typically starts at $1,500 for an unloaded weapon and goes up to $12,210 for a loaded weapon or one with accessible ammunition (https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/enforcement_sanction_guidance_policy.pdf).
It is a common misconception that if your criminal charges are dropped, the TSA fine goes away. This is not true. The TSA operates under its own set of administrative rules. We assist our clients in responding to TSA Notices of Violation to try and reduce these crushing financial penalties.
Understanding Drug Trafficking Charges at the Airport
Drug trafficking is one of the most serious charges a person can face in South Florida. Because Fort Lauderdale is a major hub for international travel, airports are heavily patrolled by drug-sniffing dogs and undercover agents. Under Florida Statute § 893.135, drug trafficking is defined by the weight of the substance involved, not necessarily the intent to sell (https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0893/Sections/0893.135.html).
If you are found with a certain amount of a controlled substance at the airport, the law automatically classifies it as trafficking. This triggers mandatory minimum prison sentences. A judge will have no choice but to sentence you to at least a certain number of years if you are convicted.
Common Defenses Against Airport Crimes
Just because you were arrested at the airport does not mean you will be convicted. There are several legal strategies we use to defend our clients in Fort Lauderdale.
Lack of Knowledge and Intent
For many gun-related cases, the most effective defense is showing that the individual did not knowingly possess the item in a prohibited place. If a person grabbed the wrong bag or a spouse packed the bag without their knowledge, the element of intent may be missing. Florida law generally requires a knowing violation for certain criminal penalties to apply.
Illegal Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. While security screenings at airports have broader latitude than a typical street stop, law enforcement must still follow legal procedures. If the police exceeded their authority or conducted a search without probable cause once you were outside the security zone, we can move to suppress that evidence. If the judge agrees the search was illegal, the evidence cannot be used against you.
Challenging the Weight or Substance
In drug trafficking cases, the specific weight is everything. We can demand independent testing of the substances and the scales used by the police. Sometimes, the mixture rules in Florida lead to inflated weights that do not accurately reflect the amount of the drug present. We fight to ensure the facts are accurate.
Why a Strong Defense Matters for Your Future
The goal of our firm is to help you achieve a better result for your case and a better future for your family. A conviction for an airport crime stays with you forever. It can stop you from traveling, take away your right to vote, and ruin your career. We take the time to listen to your side of the story and build a defense that targets the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
George Reres is a recognized leader in South Florida trial law. He is currently on a winning streak of fourteen criminal jury trials without a Guilty as Charged verdict. He has also been honored twice with the Hat Trick Award from the Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers for winning three consecutive not-guilty verdicts. We bring this level of dedication and skill to every client we represent.
If you or a loved one has been arrested at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, do not wait to seek legal help.
Call us today at 954-543-1186 for a free initial case evaluation. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and help you move past this challenge.
