FL H0489

Establishes a process requiring each Florida county to implement civil citation or similar diversion programs for juveniles who commit misdemeanor offenses as an alternative to department custody.

Law enforcement officers must issue civil citations for 11 specified first-time misdemeanor offenses including battery, theft, trespass, cannabis possession, and drug paraphernalia offenses; may issue citations for other misdemeanors at their discretion.

Participating juveniles must complete up to 50 community service hours within 10 business days and participate in required intervention services such as family counseling, substance abuse treatment, or mental health services.

Juveniles may refuse the civil citation program and request referral to the Department of Juvenile Justice at any time before completing community service; program participation is not considered a formal referral.

Amends fingerprinting and photographing requirements to exempt juveniles who are issued civil citations or participate in diversion programs pursuant to the act.

Effective date: July 1, 2018.