FL H1481

Requires misdemeanor offenders convicted of controlled substance or drug paraphernalia possession under chapter 893 to be placed in licensed substance abuse education and treatment intervention programs as a standard probation condition.

Authorizes defendants convicted of misdemeanor drug possession to voluntarily enter licensed substance abuse education and treatment intervention programs, with courts able to supervise up to 6 months of probation for such offenses.

Permits private and public entities to provide licensed substance abuse education and treatment intervention programs for misdemeanor offenders, with private entities required to contract with the county and comply with specified contract terms and reporting requirements.

Allows persons previously admitted to pretrial substance abuse education and treatment intervention programs to be eligible for voluntary readmission to such programs, removing the prior restriction against previous program participation.

Takes effect July 1, 2011.