THE BILL ITSELF
CS/CS/HB 1017
Bail Bonds
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A bill to be entitled
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An act relating to bail bonds; amending s. 648.25,
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F.S.; defining the term "virtual office"; amending s.
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648.386, F.S.; defining the term "in-person classroom
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instruction"; decreasing the duration of in-person
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classroom-instruction basic certification courses
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required to be considered for approval and
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certification as an approved limited surety agent and
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professional bail bond agent prelicensing school;
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amending s. 648.44, F.S.; authorizing bail bond agents
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and agencies to accept certain fees or charges;
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prohibiting virtual offices; amending s. 903.011,
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F.S.; requiring, rather than authorizing, that any
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monetary or cash component of any form of pretrial
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release be met by specified means; amending s.
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903.046, F.S.; revising the criteria that a court must
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consider in making specified determinations;
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prohibiting a surety bond that has been revoked from
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being reinstated without written authorization;
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amending s. 903.0471, F.S.; requiring that, upon a
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court's entry of an order to revoke pretrial release
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and order pretrial detention in certain circumstances,
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the clerk of the court discharge any bond previously
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posted as a condition of pretrial release without
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further order of the court; amending s. 903.05, F.S.;
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deleting the requirement that a surety own certain
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real estate as a qualification for the release of a
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person on bail; repealing s. 903.08, F.S., relating to
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sufficiency of sureties; amending s. 903.09, F.S.;
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requiring sureties, other than bail bond agents, to
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justify their suretyship by attaching to the bond
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United States currency, a United States postal money
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order, or a cashier's check in the amount of the bond;
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providing that such currency, money order, or
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cashier's check may not be used to secure more than
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one bond; deleting the requirement that a surety
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execute an affidavit providing certain information;
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amending s. 903.101, F.S.; revising the requirements
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that sureties must meet to have equal access to jails
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for making bonds; amending s. 903.16, F.S.;
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authorizing a defendant who has been admitted to bail,
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or another person on the defendant's behalf, to
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deposit with the official authorized to take bail
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money an amount equal to the bail amount set in the
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court order; requiring, rather than authorizing, the
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sheriff or other officials to remit to the clerk money
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or bonds received which are to be held by the clerk
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pending court action; requiring that a deposit of bail
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money be receipted in the name of the person making
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such a deposit unless the depositor is a charitable
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bail fund; requiring a deposit to be receipted in the
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name of the defendant if made by a charitable bail
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fund; deleting a provision stating that consent is
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conclusively presumed for the clerk of the circuit
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court to sell bonds deposited as bail after forfeiture
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of the bond; repealing s. 903.17, F.S., relating to
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substitution of cash bail for other bail; amending s.
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903.21, F.S.; specifying that the surety is exonerated
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of liability on a bond if a specified determination is
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made before forfeiture of the bond; revising the
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definition of the term "costs and expenses"; amending
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s. 903.26, F.S.; requiring that a signed certification
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containing certain information must accompany or be
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included with a specified notice; deleting a
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requirement that municipal officials having custody of
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forfeited money deposit such money in a designated
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municipal fund within 60 days after the forfeiture
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notice has been mailed or electronically transmitted;
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deleting certain requirements that must be met when
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bonds are forfeited; revising the circumstances under
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which the court is required to discharge a forfeiture
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within a specified timeframe; requiring the sheriff to
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enter the information of a defendant in the National
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Crime Information Center database for each felony
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warrant that a court issues for failure to appear;
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specifying circumstances under which the clerk must
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discharge a forfeiture and issue a certain notice to
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the surety without further order of the court;
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amending s. 903.27, F.S.; requiring the clerk of the
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circuit court to enter a certain judgment if the
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forfeiture is not paid or discharged by order of a
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court of competent jurisdiction within 60 days after
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the forfeiture notice has been mailed or
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electronically transmitted; reducing the number of
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days within which the clerk must furnish specified
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information to the Department of Financial Services,
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the Office of Insurance Regulation of the Financial
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Services Commission, and the surety company at its
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home office; amending s. 903.28, F.S.; increasing the
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amount of time within which a court must order
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remission of a forfeiture if it determines that there
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was no breach of the bond by the surety; requiring a
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court, in certain circumstances and upon a certain
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motion, to order remission in accordance with
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specified provisions if a defendant surrenders, is
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deceased, or is apprehended within a certain time
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after forfeiture; deleting provisions relating to the
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ordering of remission under specified circumstances;
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decreasing the amount of time for which the clerk of
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the circuit court and the state attorney must be given
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notice before a certain hearing and be furnished with
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copies of certain documents; requiring the clerk of
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the circuit court to issue a remission in a specified
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manner; providing for accrual of interest if remission
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is not issued within such timeframe; providing that
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the court may order remission of the forfeiture in
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certain circumstances; amending s. 903.29, F.S.;
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increasing the length of time from the date of
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forfeiture of a bond within which a surety may arrest
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the principal; amending s. 903.31, F.S.; revising
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provisions relating to the ordering of a bond
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cancellation; revising applicability; defining the
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term "revoked"; specifying that the original
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appearance bond does not guarantee a sentencing
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deferral, a delayed sentencing, or an appearance after
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entering a plea agreement; specifying that the clerk
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of the court does not have standing to object to a
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reinstatement of a bond; repealing s. 903.36, F.S.,
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relating to guaranteed arrest bond certificates as
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cash bail; reenacting and amending s. 907.041, F.S.;
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requiring that a certain pretrial release service
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certification be made in writing before the defendant
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is released from custody; revising the definition of
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the term "dangerous crime"; specifying a circumstance
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in which the state attorney or the court is not
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required to move for pretrial detention if a defendant
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is arrested for certain dangerous crimes; reenacting
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s. 626.2816(2) and (3), F.S., relating to regulation
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of continuing education for licensees, course
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providers, instructors, school officials, and monitor
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groups, to incorporate the amendment made to s.
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648.386, F.S., in references thereto; reenacting s.
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903.047(1)(c), F.S., relating to conditions of
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pretrial release, to incorporate the amendment made to
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s. 903.046, F.S., in a reference thereto; reenacting
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s. 903.286(2), F.S., relating to cash bond forms, to
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incorporate the amendment made to s. 903.09, F.S., in
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a reference thereto; providing an effective date.
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Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
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Section 1. Subsection (12) is added to section 648.25,
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Florida Statutes, to read:
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648.25 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the term:
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(12) "Virtual office" means an office that does not
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provide a continuous physical office space and provides
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professional address and mail handling services and which may,
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upon request, provide communications and telephone services or a
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dedicated office space.
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Section 2. Subsection (1) and paragraph (a) of subsection
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(2) of section 648.386, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
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648.386 Qualifications for prelicensing and continuing
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education schools and instructors.—
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(1) DEFINITIONS DEFINITION OF "CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION".—As
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used in this section, the terms: term
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(a) "Classroom instruction" means a course designed to be
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presented to a group of students by a live instructor using
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lecture, video, webcast, or virtual or other audio-video
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presentation.
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(b) "In-person classroom instruction" means a course
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designed to be presented to a group of students by a live
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instructor using lecture, with the instructor and students in
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the same physical classroom at the same time.
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(2) SCHOOLS AND CURRICULUM FOR PRELICENSING SCHOOLS.—In
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order to be considered for approval and certification as an
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approved limited surety agent and professional bail bond agent
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prelicensing school, such entity must:
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(a)1. Offer a minimum of two 80-hour in-person 120-hour
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classroom-instruction basic certification courses in the
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criminal justice system per calendar year unless a reduced
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number of course offerings per calendar year is warranted in
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accordance with rules adopted promulgated by the department; or
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2. Offer a department-approved correspondence course
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pursuant to department rules.
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Section 3. Paragraph (j) of subsection (1) and subsection
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(4) of section 648.44, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
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648.44 Prohibitions; penalty.—
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(1) A bail bond agent or bail bond agency may not:
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(j) Accept anything of value from a principal for
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providing a bail bond aside from except the premium, a credit
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card merchant processing fee, a mobile payment services fee or
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similar charge which must be separate from and not considered
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premium, and a transfer fee authorized by the office, except
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that the bail bond agent or bail bond agency may accept
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collateral security or other indemnity from the principal or
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another person in accordance with s. 648.442, together with
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documentary stamp taxes, if applicable. No fees, expenses, or
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charges of any kind shall be permitted to be deducted from the
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collateral held or any return premium due, except as authorized
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by this chapter or rule of the department or commission. Upon
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written agreement with another party, a bail bond agent or bail
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bond agency may, upon written agreement with another party,
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receive a fee or compensation for returning to custody an
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individual who has fled the jurisdiction of the court or caused
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the forfeiture of a bond.
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(4) A place of business, including a branch office, may
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not be established, opened, or maintained unless it is under the
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active full-time charge of a licensed and appointed bail bond
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agent. A virtual office is prohibited.
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Section 4. Subsection (2) of section 903.011, Florida
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Statutes, is amended to read:
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903.011 Pretrial release; general terms; statewide uniform
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bond schedule.—
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(2) Any monetary or cash component of any form of pretrial
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release must may be met by a surety bond or by United States
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currency, a United States postal money order, or a cashier's
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check in the amount of the bond.
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Section 5. Paragraph (d) of subsection (2) of section
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903.046, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
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903.046 Purpose of and criteria for bail determination.—
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(2) When determining whether to release a defendant on
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bail or other conditions, and what that bail or those conditions
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may be, the court shall consider:
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(d) The defendant's past and present conduct, including
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any record of convictions, previous flight to avoid prosecution,
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or failure to appear at court proceedings. However, any
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defendant who had failed to appear on the day of any required
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court proceeding in the case at issue, but who had later
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voluntarily appeared or surrendered, is not shall not be
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eligible for a recognizance bond; and any defendant who failed
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to appear on the day of any required court proceeding in the
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case at issue and who was later arrested is not shall not be
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eligible for a recognizance bond or for any form of bond which
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does not require the greater of a monetary undertaking or
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commitment equal to or greater than $2,000 or twice the value of
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the monetary commitment or undertaking of the original bond,
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whichever is greater. Notwithstanding anything in this section,
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the court has discretion in determining conditions of release if
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the defendant proves circumstances beyond his or her control for
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the failure to appear. A surety bond that has been revoked may
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not be reinstated without the written authorization from the
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bail bond agent, bail bond agency, or surety. This section may
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not be construed as imposing additional duties or obligations on
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a governmental entity related to monetary bonds.
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Section 6. Section 903.0471, Florida Statutes, is amended
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to read:
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903.0471 Violation of condition of pretrial release.—
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Notwithstanding s. 907.041, a court may, on its own motion,
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revoke pretrial release and order pretrial detention if the
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court finds probable cause to believe that the defendant
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committed a new crime while on pretrial release or violated any
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other condition of pretrial release in a material respect. Upon
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entry of such an order to revoke pretrial release and order
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pretrial detention, other than for a failure to appear, the
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clerk of the court must discharge any bond previously posted as
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a condition of pretrial release without further order of the
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court.
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Section 7. Section 903.05, Florida Statutes, is amended to
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read:
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903.05 Qualification of sureties.—A surety for the release
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of a person on bail, other than a company authorized by law to
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act as a surety, shall be a resident of the state or own real
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estate within the state.
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Section 8. Section 903.08, Florida Statutes, is repealed. Section 9. Subsection (1) of section 903.09, Florida
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Statutes, is amended to read:
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903.09 Justification of sureties.—
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(1) A surety, other than a bail bond agent as defined in
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s. 648.25, shall justify his or her suretyship by attaching to
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the bond United States currency, a United States postal money
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order, or a cashier's check in the amount of the bond; however,
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the United States currency, United States postal money order, or
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cashier's check may not be used to secure more than one bond
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execute an affidavit stating that she or he possesses the
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qualifications and net worth required to become a surety. The
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affidavit shall describe the surety's property and any
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encumbrances and shall state the number and amount of any bonds
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entered into by the surety at any court that remain
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undischarged.
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Section 10. Section 903.101, Florida Statutes, is amended
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to read:
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903.101 Sureties; licensed persons; to have equal access.—
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Subject to rules adopted by the Department of Financial Services
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and by the Financial Services Commission, every surety who meets
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the requirements of s. 903.09 ss. 903.05, 903.06, 903.08, and
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903.09, and every person who is currently licensed by the
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Department of Financial Services and registered as required by
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s. 648.42 must shall have equal access to the jails of this
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state for the purpose of making bonds. Section 11. Section 903.16, Florida Statutes, is amended
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to read:
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903.16 Deposit of money or bonds as bail.—
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(1) A defendant who has been admitted to bail, or another
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person in the defendant's behalf, may deposit with the official
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authorized to take bail money an amount equal to the bail amount
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set in the court order or nonregistered bonds of the United
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States, the state, or a city, town, or county in the state,
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equal in market value to the amount set in the order and the
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personal bond of the defendant and an undertaking by the
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depositor if the money or bonds are deposited by another. The
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sheriff or other officials shall may remit money or bonds
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received to the clerk to be held by the clerk pending court
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action or return to the defendant or depositor. The clerk shall
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accept money or bonds remitted by the sheriff.
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(2) A deposit under subsection (1) must be receipted in
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the name of the person making the deposit unless such deposit is
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made by a charitable bail fund registered as a nonprofit
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organization under s. 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal
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Revenue Code. If the deposit is made by a charitable bail fund,
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the deposit must be receipted in the name of the defendant.
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(2) Consent is conclusively presumed for the clerk of the
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circuit court to sell bonds deposited as bail after forfeiture
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of the bond.
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Section 12. Section 903.17, Florida Statutes, is repealed. Section 13. Subsection (3) of section 903.21, Florida
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Statutes, is amended to read:
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903.21 Method of surrender; exoneration of obligors.—
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(3)(a) The surety shall be exonerated of liability on the
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bond if it is determined before forfeiture breach of the bond
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that the defendant is in any jail or prison and the surety
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agrees in writing to pay the costs and expenses incurred in
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returning the defendant to the jurisdiction of the court. A
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surety is only responsible for the itemized costs and expenses
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incurred for the transport of a defendant to whom he or she has
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a fiduciary duty and is not liable for the costs and expenses
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incurred in transporting any other defendant.
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(b) As used in For purposes of this subsection, the term:
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1. "Costs and expenses" means the prorated salary of any
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law enforcement officer or employee of a contracted
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transportation company as well as the actual expenses of
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transporting each defendant, which may only consist of mileage,
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vehicle expenses, meals, and, if necessary, overnight lodging
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for any law enforcement officer or employee of a contracted
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transportation company and the defendant.
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2. "Jurisdiction" means the county from which the
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defendant was released on bail.
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Section 14. Section 903.26, Florida Statutes, is amended
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to read:
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903.26 Forfeiture of the bond; when and how directed;
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discharge; how and when made; effect of payment.—
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(1) A bail bond may shall not be forfeited unless:
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(a) The information, indictment, or affidavit was filed
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within 6 months after from the date of arrest, and
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(b) The clerk of the court gave the surety at least 72
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hours' notice, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays,
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before the time of the required appearance of the defendant.
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Notice is shall not be necessary if the time for appearance is
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within 72 hours after from the time of arrest, or if the time is
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stated on the bond. Such notice may be mailed or electronically
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transmitted. A certification signed by the clerk of the court or
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the clerk's designee that the notice required under this
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paragraph was mailed or electronically transmitted on a specific
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date must accompany or be included on the required notice.
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(2)(a) If there is a failure of the defendant to appear as
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required, the court must shall declare the bond and any bonds or
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money deposited as bail forfeited. The clerk of the court shall
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mail or electronically transmit a notice to the surety agent,
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bail bond agency, and surety company within 5 days after the
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forfeiture. A certificate signed by the clerk of the court or
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the clerk's designee which certifies, certifying that the notice
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required under this section herein was mailed or electronically
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transmitted on a specified date and which is accompanied by a
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copy of the required notice constitutes, shall constitute
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sufficient proof that such mailing or electronic transmission
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was properly accomplished as required in this paragraph
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indicated therein. If such mailing or electronic transmission
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was properly accomplished as evidenced by such certificate, the
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failure of the surety agent, a bail bond agency, of a company,
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or of a defendant to receive such notice does shall not
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constitute a defense to such forfeiture and may shall not be
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grounds for discharge, remission, reduction, set aside, or
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continuance of such forfeiture. The forfeiture must shall be
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paid within 60 days after the date the notice was mailed or
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electronically transmitted.
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(b) If Failure of the defendant fails to appear at the
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time, date, and place of required appearance, shall result in
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forfeiture of the bond is forfeited. Such forfeiture must shall
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be automatically entered by the clerk upon such failure to
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appear, and the clerk shall follow the procedures in paragraph
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(a). However, the court may determine, in its discretion and, in
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the interest of justice, that an appearance by the defendant on
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the same day as required day does not warrant forfeiture of the
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bond; and the court may direct the clerk to set aside any such
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forfeiture which may have been entered. Any appearance by the
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defendant later than the required day constitutes forfeiture of
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the bond, and the court may shall not preclude entry of such
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forfeiture by the clerk.
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(c) If there is a forfeiture of the bond, the clerk must
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shall provide, upon request, a certified copy of the warrant or
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capias to the bail bond agent or surety company.
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(3) Sixty days after the forfeiture notice has been mailed
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or electronically transmitted:
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(a) State and county officials having custody of forfeited
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money shall deposit the money in the fine and forfeiture fund
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established pursuant to s. 142.01.
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(b) Municipal officials having custody of forfeited money
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shall deposit the money in a designated municipal fund.
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(b)(c) Officials having custody of bonds as authorized by
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s. 903.16 shall transmit the bonds to the clerk of the circuit
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court who shall sell them at market value and disburse the
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proceeds as provided in paragraph (a) paragraphs (a) and (b).
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(4)(a) When a bond is forfeited, the clerk shall transmit
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the bond and any affidavits to the clerk of the circuit court in
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which the bond and affidavits are filed. The clerk of the
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circuit court shall record the forfeiture in the deed or
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official records book. If the undertakings and affidavits
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describe real property in another county, the clerk shall
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transmit the bond and affidavits to the clerk of the circuit
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court of the county where the property is located who shall
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record and return them.
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(b) The bond and affidavits shall be a lien on the real
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property they describe from the time of recording in the county
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where the property is located for 2 years or until the final
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determination of an action instituted thereon within a 2-year
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period. If an action is not instituted within 2 years from the
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date of recording, the lien shall be discharged. The lien will
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be discharged 2 years after the recording even if an action was
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instituted within 2 years unless a lis pendens notice is
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recorded in the action.
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(4)(5) The court shall discharge a forfeiture within 60
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days after the forfeiture notice was mailed or electronically
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transmitted upon any of the following:
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(a) A determination that, due to circumstances beyond the
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defendant's control, it was impossible for the defendant to
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appear as required or within 60 days after the date of the
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required appearance due to circumstances beyond the defendant's
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control. The potential adverse economic consequences of
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appearing as required may not be considered as constituting a
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ground for such a determination.;
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(b) A determination that, at the time of the required
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appearance or within 60 days after the date of the required
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appearance, the defendant was confined in an institution or
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hospital; was confined in any county, state, federal, or
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immigration detention facility; was deported; or is deceased.;
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(c) Surrender or arrest of the defendant at the time of
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the required appearance or within 60 days after the date of the
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required appearance in any county, state, or federal jail or
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prison and upon a hold being placed to return the defendant to
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the jurisdiction of the court. The court shall condition a
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discharge or remission on the payment of costs and the expenses
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as provided in s. 903.21(3), incurred by an official in
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returning the defendant to the jurisdiction of the court.; or
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(d) A determination that the state is unwilling to seek
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extradition of the fugitive defendant within 10 30 days after a
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written request by the surety agent to do so, and contingent
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upon the surety agent's consent to pay all costs and the
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expenses incurred by an official in returning the defendant to
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the jurisdiction of the court, as provided in s. 903.21(3), up
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to the penal amount of the bond.
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(5) For each felony warrant that a court issues for a
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failure to appear in court, the sheriff shall enter the
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information of the defendant in the National Crime Information
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Center database with no restrictions until the defendant is
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returned to the jurisdiction of the court.
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(6) The discharge of a forfeiture may shall not be ordered
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for any reason other than as specified herein.
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(7) The payment by a surety of a forfeiture under this law
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has shall have the same effect on the bond as payment of a
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judgment.
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(8) If the defendant is arrested and returned to the
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county of jurisdiction of the court or has posted a new bond for
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the case at issue before judgment, the clerk must, upon
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affirmation by the sheriff or the chief correctional officer
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and, shall, without further hearing or order of the court,
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discharge the forfeiture of the bond. However, if the surety
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agent fails to pay the costs and expenses incurred in returning
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the defendant to the county of jurisdiction, the clerk may shall
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not discharge the forfeiture of the bond. If the surety agent
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and the sheriff fail to agree on the amount of such said costs,
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then the court, after notice to the sheriff and the state
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attorney, must shall determine the amount of the costs.
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(9) If, after forfeiture of a bond, the criminal charges
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for which the bond guaranteed appearance are resolved,
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adjudicated, or otherwise disposed of by any action of the court
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or state, the clerk must discharge the forfeiture and issue such
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notice to the surety without further order of the court. If such
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resolution or disposition occurs after payment of a forfeiture
468
or judgment, remission must be granted upon proper motion and as
469
specified under s. 903.28.
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Section 15. Section 903.27, Florida Statutes, is amended
471
to read:
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903.27 Forfeiture to judgment.—
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(1) If the forfeiture is not paid or discharged by order
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of a court of competent jurisdiction within 60 days after the
475
forfeiture notice has been mailed or electronically transmitted
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and the bond is secured other than by money and bonds authorized
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in s. 903.16, the clerk of the circuit court for the county
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where the order was made must shall enter a judgment against the
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surety for the amount of the penalty and issue execution.
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However, in any case in which the bond forfeiture has been
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discharged by the court of competent jurisdiction conditioned
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upon the payment by the surety of certain costs or fees as
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allowed by statute, the amount for which judgment may be entered
484
may not exceed the amount of the unpaid fees or costs upon which
485
the discharge had been conditioned. Judgment for the full amount
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of the forfeiture may shall not be entered if payment of a
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lesser amount will satisfy the conditions to discharge the
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forfeiture. Within 5 10 days, the clerk shall furnish the
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Department of Financial Services and the Office of Insurance
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Regulation of the Financial Services Commission with a certified
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copy of the judgment docket and shall furnish the surety company
492
at its home office a copy of the judgment, which shall include
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the power of attorney number of the bond and the name of the
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executing agent. If the judgment is not paid within 35 days, the
495
clerk must shall furnish the Department of Financial Services,
496
the Office of Insurance Regulation, and the sheriff of the
497
county in which the bond was executed, or the official
498
responsible for operation of the county jail, if that official
499
is not other than the sheriff, two copies of the judgment and a
500
certificate stating that the judgment remains unsatisfied. When
501
and if the judgment is properly paid or an order to vacate the
502
judgment has been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction,
503
the clerk shall immediately notify the sheriff, or other such
504
the official responsible for the operation of the county jail,
505
if other than the sheriff, and, if they have been previously
506
notified of nonpayment, the Department of Financial Services and
507
the Office of Insurance Regulation, if the department and office
508
had been previously notified of nonpayment, of such payment or
509
order to vacate the judgment. The clerk may furnish documents or
510
give notice as required in this subsection by mail or electronic
511
means. The clerk shall also immediately prepare and record in
512
the public records a satisfaction of the judgment or record the
513
order to vacate judgment. If the defendant is returned to the
514
county of jurisdiction of the court, whenever a motion to set
515
aside the judgment is filed, the operation of this section is
516
tolled until the court makes a disposition of the motion.
517
(2) A certificate signed by the clerk of the court or her
518
or his designee which certifies, certifying that the notice
519
required in subsection (1) was mailed or electronically
520
delivered on a specified date, and is accompanied by a copy of
521
the required notice constitutes sufficient proof that such
522
mailing or electronic delivery was properly accomplished as
523
required in this subsection indicated therein. If such mailing
524
or electronic delivery was properly accomplished as evidenced by
525
such certificate, the failure of a company to receive a copy of
526
the judgment as prescribed in subsection (1) does not constitute
527
a defense to the forfeiture and is not a ground for the
528
discharge, remission, reduction, set aside, or continuance of
529
such forfeiture.
530
(3) Surety bail bonds may not be executed by a bail bond
531
agent or a bail bond agency against whom a judgment has been
532
entered which has remained unpaid for 35 days and may not be
533
executed for a company against whom a judgment has been entered
534
which has remained unpaid for 50 days. A No sheriff or other
535
official who is empowered to accept or approve surety bail bonds
536
may not shall accept or approve such a bond executed by such a
537
bail bond agent or bail bond agency or executed for such a
538
company until such judgment has been paid.
539
(4) After notice of judgment against the surety given by
540
the clerk of the circuit court, the surety, a bail bond agency,
541
or a bail bond agent shall, within 35 days after of the entry of
542
judgment, submit to the clerk of the circuit court an amount
543
equal to the judgment, unless the judgment has been set aside by
544
the court within 35 days after of the entry of the judgment. If
545
a motion to set aside the judgment has been filed pursuant to
546
subsection (5), the amount submitted must shall be held in
547
escrow until such time as the court has disposed of the motion.
548
The failure to comply with the provisions of this subsection
549
constitutes a failure to pay the judgment.
550
(5) After notice of judgment against the surety given by
551
the clerk of the circuit court, the surety, bail bond agency, or
552
bail bond agent may within 35 days file a motion to set aside
553
the judgment or to stay the judgment. It shall be a condition of
554
Any such motion or and of any order to stay the judgment must be
555
conditioned on payment by that the surety of pay the amount of
556
the judgment to the clerk, which amount must shall be held in
557
escrow until such time as the court has disposed of the motion
558
to set aside the judgment. The filing of such a motion, when
559
accompanied by the required escrow deposit, acts shall act as an
560
automatic stay of further proceedings, including execution,
561
until the motion has been heard and a decision rendered by the
562
court.
563
(6) The failure of a state attorney to file, or of the
564
clerk of the circuit court to make, a certified copy of the
565
order of forfeiture as required by law applicable before prior
566
to July 1, 1982, does shall not invalidate any judgment entered
567
by the clerk before prior to June 12, 1981.
568
Section 16. Section 903.28, Florida Statutes, is amended
569
to read:
570
903.28 Remission of forfeiture; conditions.—
571
(1) An application for remission may not be brought, nor
572
be considered by the court, unless such On application is filed
573
within 37 months after 2 years from forfeiture. Upon a timely
574
filed application for remission, the court shall order remission
575
of the forfeiture in accordance with the remission schedule set
576
forth in subsection (2) if it determines that there was no
577
breach of the bond by the surety.
578
(2) If the defendant surrenders or is apprehended and the
579
surety has paid all costs of returning the defendant to the
580
jurisdiction of the court, if the defendant is deceased, or if
581
the state attorney is unwilling to seek extradition of the
582
defendant from any jail or prison after a request by the surety
583
agent, bail bond agency, or surety company consenting to pay all
584
costs incurred by an official in returning the defendant to the
585
jurisdiction of the court, as provided in s. 903.21(3)(a), up to
586
the penal amount of the bond, within 36 months 90 days after
587
forfeiture, the court, on motion at a hearing upon notice having
588
been given to the clerk of the circuit court and the state
589
attorney as required in subsection (4), must subsection (8),
590
shall direct remission in accordance with the following:
591
(a) One-hundred percent of the forfeiture if the defendant
592
surrenders or is apprehended within 90 days after the forfeiture
593
and the delay has not thwarted proper prosecution of the
594
defendant or if the defendant is deceased or the state is
595
unwilling to seek extradition of the defendant within 90 days
596
after forfeiture.
597
(b) Ninety-five percent of the forfeiture if the defendant
598
surrenders or is apprehended within 180 days after forfeiture
599
and the delay has not thwarted proper prosecution of the
600
defendant or if the defendant is deceased or the state is
601
unwilling to seek extradition of the defendant within 180 days
602
after forfeiture.
603
(c) Ninety percent of the forfeiture if the defendant
604
surrenders or is apprehended within 270 days after forfeiture
605
and the delay has not thwarted proper prosecution of the
606
defendant or if the defendant is deceased or the state is
607
unwilling to seek extradition of the defendant within 270 days
608
after forfeiture.
609
(d) Eighty-five percent of the forfeiture if the defendant
610
surrenders or is apprehended within 360 days after forfeiture
611
and the delay has not thwarted proper prosecution of the
612
defendant or if the defendant is deceased or the state is
613
unwilling to seek extradition of the defendant within 360 days
614
after forfeiture.
615
(e) Eighty percent of the forfeiture if the defendant
616
surrenders or is apprehended within 450 days after forfeiture
617
and the delay has not thwarted proper prosecution of the
618
defendant or if the defendant is deceased or the state is
619
unwilling to seek extradition of the defendant within 450 days
620
after forfeiture.
621
(f) Seventy-five percent of the forfeiture if the
622
defendant surrenders or is apprehended within 540 days after
623
forfeiture and the delay has not thwarted proper prosecution of
624
the defendant or if the defendant is deceased or the state is
625
unwilling to seek extradition of the defendant within 540 days
626
after forfeiture.
627
(g) Seventy percent of the forfeiture if the defendant
628
surrenders or is apprehended within 630 days after forfeiture
629
and the delay has not thwarted proper prosecution of the
630
defendant or if the defendant is deceased or the state is
631
unwilling to seek extradition of the defendant within 630 days
632
after forfeiture.
633
(h) Sixty-five percent of the forfeiture if the defendant
634
surrenders or is apprehended within 720 days after forfeiture
635
and the delay has not thwarted proper prosecution of the
636
defendant or if the defendant is deceased or the state is
637
unwilling to seek extradition of the defendant within 720 days
638
after forfeiture.
639
(i) Sixty percent of the forfeiture if the defendant
640
surrenders or is apprehended within 810 days after forfeiture
641
and the delay has not thwarted proper prosecution of the
642
defendant or if the defendant is deceased or the state is
643
unwilling to seek extradition of the defendant within 810 days
644
after forfeiture.
645
(j) Fifty-five percent of the forfeiture if the defendant
646
surrenders or is apprehended within 900 days after forfeiture
647
and the delay has not thwarted proper prosecution of the
648
defendant or if the defendant is deceased or the state is
649
unwilling to seek extradition of the defendant within 900 days
650
after forfeiture.
651
(k) Fifty percent of the forfeiture if the defendant
652
surrenders or is apprehended within 990 days after forfeiture
653
and the delay has not thwarted proper prosecution of the
654
defendant or if the defendant is deceased or the state is
655
unwilling to seek extradition of the defendant within 990 days
656
after forfeiture.
657
(l) Forty-five percent of the forfeiture if the defendant
658
surrenders or is apprehended within 1,095 days after forfeiture
659
and the delay has not thwarted proper prosecution of the
660
defendant or if the defendant is deceased or the state is
661
unwilling to seek extradition of the defendant within 1,095 days
662
after forfeiture of up to, but not more than, 100 percent of a
663
forfeiture if the surety apprehended and surrendered the
664
defendant or if the apprehension or surrender of the defendant
665
was substantially procured or caused by the surety, or the
666
surety has substantially attempted to procure or cause the
667
apprehension or surrender of the defendant, and the delay has
668
not thwarted the proper prosecution of the defendant. In
669
addition, remission shall be granted when the surety did not
670
substantially participate or attempt to participate in the
671
apprehension or surrender of the defendant when the costs of
672
returning the defendant to the jurisdiction of the court have
673
been deducted from the remission and when the delay has not
674
thwarted the proper prosecution of the defendant.
675
(3) If the defendant surrenders or is apprehended within
676
180 days after forfeiture, the court, on motion at a hearing
677
upon notice having been given to the clerk of the circuit court
678
and the state attorney as required in subsection (8), shall
679
direct remission of up to, but not more than, 95 percent of a
680
forfeiture if the surety apprehended and surrendered the
681
defendant or if the apprehension or surrender of the defendant
682
was substantially procured or caused by the surety, or the
683
surety has substantially attempted to procure or cause the
684
apprehension or surrender of the defendant, and the delay has
685
not thwarted the proper prosecution of the defendant. In
686
addition, remission shall be granted when the surety did not
687
substantially participate or attempt to participate in the
688
apprehension or surrender of the defendant when the costs of
689
returning the defendant to the jurisdiction of the court have
690
been deducted from the remission and when the delay has not
691
thwarted the proper prosecution of the defendant.
692
(4) If the defendant surrenders or is apprehended within
693
270 days after forfeiture, the court, on motion at a hearing
694
upon notice having been given to the clerk of the circuit court
695
and the state attorney as required in subsection (8), shall
696
direct remission of up to, but not more than, 90 percent of a
697
forfeiture if the surety apprehended and surrendered the
698
defendant or if the apprehension or surrender of the defendant
699
was substantially procured or caused by the surety, or the
700
surety has substantially attempted to procure or cause the
701
apprehension or surrender of the defendant, and the delay has
702
not thwarted the proper prosecution of the defendant. In
703
addition, remission shall be granted when the surety did not
704
substantially participate or attempt to participate in the
705
apprehension or surrender of the defendant when the costs of
706
returning the defendant to the jurisdiction of the court have
707
been deducted from the remission and when the delay has not
708
thwarted the proper prosecution of the defendant.
709
(5) If the defendant surrenders or is apprehended within 1
710
year after forfeiture, the court, on motion at a hearing upon
711
notice having been given to the clerk of the circuit court and
712
the state attorney as required in subsection (8), shall direct
713
remission of up to, but not more than, 85 percent of a
714
forfeiture if the surety apprehended and surrendered the
715
defendant or if the apprehension or surrender of the defendant
716
was substantially procured or caused by the surety, or the
717
surety has substantially attempted to procure or cause the
718
apprehension or surrender of the defendant, and the delay has
719
not thwarted the proper prosecution of the defendant. In
720
addition, remission shall be granted when the surety did not
721
substantially participate or attempt to participate in the
722
apprehension or surrender of the defendant when the costs of
723
returning the defendant to the jurisdiction of the court have
724
been deducted from the remission and when the delay has not
725
thwarted the proper prosecution of the defendant.
726
(6) If the defendant surrenders or is apprehended within 2
727
years after forfeiture, the court, on motion at a hearing upon
728
notice having been given to the clerk of the circuit court and
729
the state attorney as required in subsection (8), shall direct
730
remission of up to, but not more than, 50 percent of a
731
forfeiture if the surety apprehended and surrendered the
732
defendant or if the apprehension or surrender of the defendant
733
was substantially procured or caused by the surety, or the
734
surety has substantially attempted to procure or cause the
735
apprehension or surrender of the defendant, and the delay has
736
not thwarted the proper prosecution of the defendant. In
737
addition, remission shall be granted when the surety did not
738
substantially participate or attempt to participate in the
739
apprehension or surrender of the defendant when the costs of
740
returning the defendant to the jurisdiction of the court have
741
been deducted from the remission and when the delay has not
742
thwarted the proper prosecution of the defendant.
743
(3)(7) The remission of a forfeiture may not be ordered
744
for any reason other than as specified in this section herein.
745
(4)(8) An application for remission must be accompanied by
746
affidavits setting forth the facts on which it is founded;
747
however, the surety must establish by further documentation or
748
other evidence any claimed attempt at procuring or causing the
749
apprehension or surrender of the defendant before the court may
750
order remission based upon an attempt to procure or cause such
751
apprehension or surrender. The clerk of the circuit court and
752
the state attorney must be given 10 20 days' notice before a
753
hearing on an application and be furnished copies of all papers,
754
applications, and affidavits. Remission must shall be granted on
755
the condition of payment of costs, as provided in s.
756
903.21(3)(a), unless the ground for remission is that there was
757
no breach of the bond.
758
(5)(9) The clerk of the circuit court may enter into a
759
contract with a private attorney or into an interagency
760
agreement with a governmental agency to represent the clerk of
761
the court in an action for the remission of a forfeiture under
762
this section.
763
(6)(10) The clerk of the circuit court is the real party
764
in interest for all appeals arising from an action for the
765
remission of a forfeiture under this section.
766
(7) The clerk of the circuit court shall issue a remission
767
in accordance with s. 218.74(4) after entry of a court order
768
directing remission.
769
(8) If the defendant surrenders or is apprehended and the
770
surety has not paid all costs of returning the defendant to the
771
jurisdiction of court, the court may order remission of the
772
forfeiture in accordance with subsection (2) if the actual costs
773
of returning the defendant to the jurisdiction of the court have
774
been deducted from the remission.
775
Section 17. Section 903.29, Florida Statutes, is amended
776
to read:
777
903.29 Arrest of principal by surety after forfeiture.—
778
Within 3 2 years from the date of forfeiture of a bond, the
779
surety may arrest the principal for the purpose of surrendering
780
the principal to the official in whose custody she or he was at
781
the time bail was taken or in whose custody the principal would
782
have been placed had she or he been committed.
783
Section 18. Subsections (1) and (2) of section 903.31,
784
Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
785
903.31 Canceling the bond.—
786
(1) Within 10 business days after the conditions of a bond
787
have been satisfied or the forfeiture discharged or remitted,
788
the court must shall order the bond canceled and, if the surety
789
has attached a certificate of cancellation to the original bond,
790
the clerk of the court must shall mail or electronically furnish
791
an executed certificate of cancellation to the surety without
792
cost. The clerk of the court shall discharge the bond upon an
793
adjudication of guilt or innocence or an acquittal, or if a
794
period of 36 months has passed since the original bond was
795
posted., or A withholding of an adjudication of guilt, a finding
796
of guilt by a jury, or a no action by the state satisfies shall
797
satisfy the conditions of the bond. If the bond has been revoked
798
by the court, other than for a failure to appear, the clerk of
799
the court must discharge or cancel the bond. The original
800
appearance bond expires shall expire 36 months after such bond
801
has been posted for the release of the defendant from custody,
802
at which time the clerk of the court must discharge the bond.
803
This subsection does not apply to cases in which a bond has been
804
declared forfeited before the 36-month expiration, unless the
805
forfeiture was set aside or discharged. As used in this
806
subsection, the term "revoked" means that an act, a statement, a
807
document, or a promise has been annulled or canceled.
808
(2) The original appearance bond does not guarantee a
809
deferred sentence; a sentencing deferral; a delayed sentencing;
810
an appearance after entering a plea agreement; an appearance
811
during or after a presentence investigation; an appearance
812
during or after appeals; conduct during or appearance after
813
admission to a pretrial intervention program; placement in a
814
court-ordered program, including a residential mental health
815
facility; payment of fines; or attendance at educational or
816
rehabilitation facilities the court otherwise provides in the
817
judgment. If the original appearance bond has been forfeited or
818
revoked, it may the bond shall not be reinstated without
819
approval from the surety on the original bond. The clerk of the
820
court does not have standing to object to a motion to reinstate
821
bond under this subsection.
822
Section 19. Section 903.36, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
823
Section 20. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) and paragraphs
824
(a) and (d) of subsection (5) of section 907.041, Florida
825
Statutes, are amended, and paragraph (c) of subsection (5) of
826
that section is reenacted, to read:
827
907.041 Pretrial detention and release.—
828
(3) RELEASE ON NONMONETARY CONDITIONS.—
829
(b) A No person may not shall be released on nonmonetary
830
conditions under the supervision of a pretrial release service,
831
unless the service certifies in writing to the court, before the
832
defendant is released from custody, that it has investigated or
833
otherwise verified:
834
1. The circumstances of the accused's family, employment,
835
financial resources, character, mental condition, immigration
836
status, and length of residence in the community;
837
2. The accused's record of convictions, of appearances at
838
court proceedings, of flight to avoid prosecution, or of failure
839
to appear at court proceedings; and
840
3. Other facts necessary to assist the court in its
841
determination of the indigency of the accused and whether she or
842
he should be released under the supervision of the service.
843
(5) PRETRIAL DETENTION.—
844
(a) As used in this subsection, "dangerous crime" means
845
any of the following:
846
1. Arson.;
847
2. Aggravated assault.;
848
3. Aggravated battery.;
849
4. Illegal use of explosives.;
850
5. Child abuse or aggravated child abuse.;
851
6. Abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult, or
852
aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult.;
853
7. Aircraft piracy.;
854
8. Kidnapping.;
855
9. Homicide.;
856
10. Manslaughter, including DUI manslaughter and BUI
857
manslaughter.;
858
11. Sexual battery.;
859
12. Robbery.;
860
13. Carjacking.;
861
14. Lewd, lascivious, or indecent assault or act upon or
862
in presence of a child under the age of 16 years.;
863
15. Sexual activity with a child, who is 12 years of age
864
or older but less than 18 years of age, by or at solicitation of
865
person in familial or custodial authority.;
866
16. Burglary of a dwelling.;
867
17. Stalking and aggravated stalking.;
868
18. Act of domestic violence as defined in s. 741.28.;
869
19. Home invasion robbery.;
870
20. Act of terrorism as defined in s. 775.30.;
871
21. Manufacturing any substances in violation of chapter
872
893.;
873
22. Attempting or conspiring to commit any such crime.;
874
23. Human trafficking.;
875
24. Trafficking in any controlled substance described in
876
s. 893.135(1)(c)4.;
877
25. Extortion in violation of s. 836.05.; and
878
26. Written threats to kill in violation of s. 836.10.
879
27. Driving under the influence in violation of s.
880
316.193(2)(b)1. or (2)(b)3.
881
28. Felony battery.
882
29. Battery by strangulation.
883
30. Burglary in violation of s. 810.02(2).
884
(c) Upon motion by the state attorney, the court may order
885
pretrial detention if it finds a substantial probability, based
886
on a defendant's past and present patterns of behavior, the
887
criteria in s. 903.046, and any other relevant facts, that any
888
of the following circumstances exist:
889
1. The defendant has previously violated conditions of
890
release and that no further conditions of release are reasonably
891
likely to assure the defendant's appearance at subsequent
892
proceedings;
893
2. The defendant, with the intent to obstruct the judicial
894
process, has threatened, intimidated, or injured any victim,
895
potential witness, juror, or judicial officer, or has attempted
896
or conspired to do so, and that no condition of release will
897
reasonably prevent the obstruction of the judicial process;
898
3. The defendant is charged with trafficking in controlled
899
substances as defined by s. 893.135, that there is a substantial
900
probability that the defendant has committed the offense, and
901
that no conditions of release will reasonably assure the
902
defendant's appearance at subsequent criminal proceedings;
903
4. The defendant is charged with DUI manslaughter, as
904
defined by s. 316.193, and that there is a substantial
905
probability that the defendant committed the crime and that the
906
defendant poses a threat of harm to the community; conditions
907
that would support a finding by the court pursuant to this
908
subparagraph that the defendant poses a threat of harm to the
909
community include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
910
a. The defendant has previously been convicted of any
911
crime under s. 316.193, or of any crime in any other state or
912
territory of the United States that is substantially similar to
913
any crime under s. 316.193;
914
b. The defendant was driving with a suspended driver
915
license when the charged crime was committed; or
916
c. The defendant has previously been found guilty of, or
917
has had adjudication of guilt withheld for, driving while the
918
defendant's driver license was suspended or revoked in violation
919
of s. 322.34;
920
5. The defendant poses the threat of harm to the
921
community. The court may so conclude, if it finds that the
922
defendant is presently charged with a dangerous crime, that
923
there is a substantial probability that the defendant committed
924
such crime, that the factual circumstances of the crime indicate
925
a disregard for the safety of the community, and that there are
926
no conditions of release reasonably sufficient to protect the
927
community from the risk of physical harm to persons;
928
6. The defendant was on probation, parole, or other
929
release pending completion of sentence or on pretrial release
930
for a dangerous crime at the time the current offense was
931
committed;
932
7. The defendant has violated one or more conditions of
933
pretrial release or bond for the offense currently before the
934
court and the violation, in the discretion of the court,
935
supports a finding that no conditions of release can reasonably
936
protect the community from risk of physical harm to persons or
937
assure the presence of the accused at trial; or
938
8.a. The defendant has ever been sentenced pursuant to s.
939
775.082(9) or s. 775.084 as a prison releasee reoffender,
940
habitual violent felony offender, three-time violent felony
941
offender, or violent career criminal, or the state attorney
942
files a notice seeking that the defendant be sentenced pursuant
943
to s. 775.082(9) or s. 775.084, as a prison releasee reoffender,
944
habitual violent felony offender, three-time violent felony
945
offender, or violent career criminal;
946
b. There is a substantial probability that the defendant
947
committed the offense; and
948
c. There are no conditions of release that can reasonably
949
protect the community from risk of physical harm or ensure the
950
presence of the accused at trial.
951
(d) If a defendant is arrested for a dangerous crime that
952
is a capital felony, a life felony, or a felony of the first
953
degree, and the court determines there is probable cause to
954
believe the defendant committed the offense, the state attorney,
955
or the court on its own motion, must move shall motion for
956
pretrial detention unless the defendant is already being held.
957
If the court finds a substantial probability that the defendant
958
committed the offense and, based on the defendant's past and
959
present patterns of behavior, consideration of the criteria in
960
s. 903.046, and any other relevant facts, that no conditions of
961
release or bail will reasonably protect the community from risk
962
of physical harm, ensure the presence of the defendant at trial,
963
or assure the integrity of the judicial process, the court must
964
order pretrial detention. Section 21. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment
966
made by this act to section 648.386, Florida Statutes, in
967
references thereto, subsections (2) and (3) of section 626.2816,
968
Florida Statutes, are reenacted to read:
969
626.2816 Regulation of continuing education for licensees,
970
course providers, instructors, school officials, and monitor
971
groups.—
972
(2) The department shall adopt rules establishing
973
standards for the approval, regulation, and operation of the
974
continuing education programs and for the discipline of
975
licensees, course providers, instructors, school officials, and
976
monitor groups. The standards must be designed to ensure that
977
such course providers, instructors, school officials, and
978
monitor groups have the knowledge, competence, and integrity to
979
fulfill the educational objectives of ss. 626.2815, 626.869,
980
648.385, and 648.386.
981
(3) The department shall adopt rules establishing a
982
process by which compliance with the continuing education
983
requirements of ss. 626.2815, 626.869, 648.385, and 648.386 can
984
be determined, the establishment of a continuing education
985
compliance period for licensees, and forms necessary to
986
implement such a process.
987
Section 22. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment
988
made by this act to section 903.046, Florida Statutes, in a
989
reference thereto, paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of section 903.047, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:
991
903.047 Conditions of pretrial release.—
992
(1) As a condition of pretrial release, whether such
993
release is by surety bail bond or recognizance bond or in some
994
other form, the defendant must:
995
(c) Comply with all conditions of pretrial release imposed
996
by the court. A court must consider s. 903.046(2) when
997
determining whether to impose nonmonetary conditions in addition
998
to or in lieu of monetary bond. Such nonmonetary conditions may
999
include, but are not limited to, requiring a defendant to:
1000
1. Maintain employment, or, if unemployed, actively seek
1001
employment.
1002
2. Maintain or commence an educational program.
1003
3. Abide by specified restrictions on personal
1004
associations, place of residence, or travel.
1005
4. Report on a regular basis to a designated law
1006
enforcement agency, pretrial services agency, or other agency.
1007
5. Comply with a specified curfew.
1008
6. Refrain from possessing a firearm, destructive device,
1009
or other dangerous weapon.
1010
7. Refrain from excessive use of alcohol, or any use of a
1011
narcotic drug or other controlled substance without a
1012
prescription from a licensed medical practitioner.
1013
8. Undergo available medical, psychological, psychiatric,
1014
mental health, or substance abuse evaluation and follow all
1015
recommendations, including treatment for drug or alcohol
1016
dependency, and remain in a specified institution, if required
1017
for that purpose.
1018
9. Return to custody for specified hours following release
1019
for employment, school, or other limited purposes.
1020
10. Any other condition that is reasonably necessary to
1021
assure the appearance of the defendant at subsequent proceedings
1022
and to protect the community against unreasonable danger of
1023
harm.
1024
Section 23. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment
1025
made by this act to section 903.09, Florida Statutes, in a
1026
reference thereto, subsection (2) of section 903.286, Florida
1027
Statutes, is reenacted to read:
1028
903.286 Return of cash bond; requirement to withhold
1029
unpaid fines, fees, court costs; cash bond forms.—
1030
(2) All cash bond forms used in conjunction with the
1031
requirements of s. 903.09 must prominently display a notice
1032
explaining that all funds are subject to forfeiture and
1033
withholding by the clerk of the court for the payment of costs
1034
of prosecution, costs of representation as provided by ss. 27.52
1035
and 938.29, court fees, court costs, and criminal penalties on
1036
behalf of the criminal defendant regardless of who posted the
1037
funds.
1038
Section 24. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.