FL S0498

Allows licensed substance abuse education and intervention programs to provide probation supervision services for defendants convicted of misdemeanor controlled substance possession offenses under chapter 893.

Permits private and public entities, including licensed substance abuse programs, to provide probation services under county board of county commissioners or court supervision.

Requires private entities providing misdemeanor probation services to contract with the county and comply with specified contract terms including staff qualifications, staffing levels, face-to-face contact procedures, and fee collection protocols.

In counties with fewer than 70,000 residents, county court judges must approve contracts with private entities providing misdemeanor probation services.

Takes effect July 1, 2012.