FL S0408

Requires every Florida county to establish one or more civil citation or similar diversion programs for juveniles accused of misdemeanor offenses, with programs established through agreement among circuit judges, state attorneys, public defenders, and local law enforcement

Mandates that law enforcement officers must issue civil citations (rather than arrest) for first-time misdemeanors committed by juveniles under 16 for specific offenses including underage alcohol possession, petit theft, retail theft, resisting arrest without violence, disorderly conduct, possession of small amounts of cannabis/controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia offenses

Allows discretionary use of civil citations for juveniles 16 and older, for non-enumerated misdemeanors, and for second or third-time misdemeanor offenses; requires written documentation when officers choose arrest over citation in these cases

Requires juveniles participating in diversion programs to complete up to 50 hours of community service (minimum 5 hours per week), report to a monitor within 10 business days, and participate in intervention services including counseling, drug testing, and mental health treatment as needed

Excludes from the program any juvenile currently charged with, awaiting disposition of, or previously convicted of a felony offense, as well as misdemeanors arising from the same episode as an alleged felony