FL S7118

Creates section 985.665 establishing community-based juvenile justice system where Department of Juvenile Justice contracts with regional coordinating agencies (nonprofit or county government entities) to deliver juvenile justice services within designated communities.

Requires regional coordinating agencies to have organizational infrastructure, financial capacity, provider networks, and willingness to meet performance standards and serve all referred juveniles with department funding.

Establishes minimum of two pilot programs in the Sixth and Ninth Judicial Circuits commencing no later than January 1, 2013, operating for 2 years with annual evaluation reports submitted to Governor and Legislature beginning January 31, 2014.

Prohibits courts from committing youth adjudicated solely for misdemeanors to residential placements other than minimum-risk nonresidential, with limited exceptions for prior felony adjudications, multiple misdemeanor adjudications, specific violent offenses, or program unsuitability.

Gives hiring preference to current Department of Juvenile Justice employees who meet provider qualifications when applying for employment with regional coordinating agencies, and treats these agencies as state entities for liability purposes under tort immunity law.