FL S0550

Expands eligibility for prison diversion programs to offenders sentenced on or after October 1, 2020 with a primary offense of felony of the second degree or third degree (previously limited to third degree felonies only).

Increases the maximum allowable total sentence points score from 48 points to 60 points for eligibility, eliminating the previous exception for 54-point scores with probation violations.

Requires courts to make written findings confirming that defendants meet all eligibility criteria before sentencing them to nonstate prison sanctions under the diversion program.

Allows courts to order offenders to pay all or a portion of costs related to the prison diversion program if the offender has the financial ability to do so.

Effective date is October 1, 2020.