FL S0448

Creates section 901.40, Florida Statutes, to encourage local communities and educational institutions to implement prearrest diversion programs for adults committing qualifying misdemeanors.

Authorizes law enforcement officers to issue civil citations or prearrest diversion notices at their discretion to adults who admit to or do not contest a qualifying offense and have no prior arrests or previous civil citations.

Requires participating adults to complete intake, receive assessment and intervention services, perform community service hours, and pay restitution to victims as program conditions.

Mandates that law enforcement officers, public defenders, state attorneys, and circuit court clerks develop program policies and procedures, including eligibility criteria and qualifying offenses selected locally.

Does not preempt counties, municipalities, or educational institutions from creating alternative noncriminal sanctions or their own prearrest diversion models; effective July 1, 2017.