FL S0850

Eliminates mandatory requirements for state attorneys to transfer children ages 14+ to adult court for specified violent crimes; transfers become discretionary for children 14+ and remain discretionary for 16-17 year-olds.

Removes mandatory "direct file" provisions that previously required state attorneys to file charges directly in adult court for certain 16-17 year-olds; makes direct filing discretionary based on public interest for 16-17 year-olds charged with violent felonies.

Raises age threshold for grand jury indictment jurisdiction from any age to 14 years or older; prohibits transfer to adult court for children with pending or previous incompetency findings until competency is restored.

Changes sentencing authority from mandatory adult sanctions to discretionary sanctions for children transferred to adult court; court may now impose juvenile sanctions under section 985.565 instead of required adult sentences.

Effective date: July 1, 2019.