A principal in the first degree is a person who commits a crime. The term refers to the person with the intent to commit the crime, even if the actus reus is done through an agent who lacked the intent to commit a crime. The term is meant to distinguish the main actor or actors in a crime from a person who merely aids them in the commission of a crime, who may be referred to as a principal in the second degree or an accessory.
Florida Statute §777.011 states “Whoever commits any criminal offense against the state, whether felony or misdemeanor, or aids, abets, counsels, hires, or otherwise procures such offense to be committed, and such offense is committed or is attempted to be committed, is a principal in the first degree and may be charged, convicted, and punished as such, whether he or she is or is not actually or constructively present at the commission of such offense.”
[Last updated in February of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]