Extortion is the threatening, coercive act of demanding payment, favorable government action from a public official, or another benefit from someone in return for not doing violent, physical harm or injury to the victim or his property, or revealing compromising or damaging information about the victim (whether it is true or false), or causing unfavorable government action against the victim or his interests. Extortion (sometimes referred to as the crime of coercion or blackmail) is a criminal offense in all states and under federal law.

Extortion can occur in person, by telephone, by U.S. mail, by e-mail, by text message, through social media, or by other means of communication.

The definition and penalties for the crime of extortion vary from state to state—in some states blackmail is part of the criminal offense of extortion, and in some states blackmail and extortion are separate criminal offenses.

The crime of extortion may be prosecuted as a felony in some states—with potential prison time—or as a misdemeanor eligible for probation. The crime of extortion is usually located in a state’s statutes. And extortion is also a crime under federal law. See 18 U.S.C. §872 to 18 U.S.C. §876.

In Florida, extortion is defined under Florida Statutes Section 836.05 as the malicious threat of injury to the person, property, or reputation of another, with the intent to extort money or any pecuniary advantage, or with the intent to compel the person so threatened to do any act or refrain from doing any act against their will. This includes threats of violence, threats to expose secrets, or threats to take or withhold action as a public official. Extortion is considered a second-degree felony in Florida, which can result in severe penalties including imprisonment, fines, and restitution. The crime encompasses various means of communication, including in-person, electronic, and written threats. Under federal law, extortion is also a criminal offense, punishable under various statutes such as 18 U.S.C. §872, which prohibits extortion by officers or employees of the United States, and 18 U.S.C. §876, which addresses mailing threatening communications. The specific charges and penalties can vary based on the circumstances of the case, the amount of money or value of benefits demanded, and whether interstate commerce is involved.