FL S0628

Eliminates mandatory waiver requirement for state attorneys to request transfer of certain children aged 14+ to adult court for violent crimes, replacing it with discretionary authority to file a motion.

Changes the age threshold in s. 985.56 from "any age" to "14 years of age or older" for children charged with crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment to be subject to juvenile court jurisdiction until grand jury indictment.

Prohibits transfer of a child to adult court for indictable offenses if the child has a pending competency hearing or has been found incompetent, pending restoration of competency.

Changes sentencing authority from mandatory to permissive ("may" instead of "shall") for children found to have committed offenses punishable by death or life imprisonment, allowing judges to impose juvenile sanctions under s. 985.565.

Simplifies and reorganizes s. 985.557 to make prosecution of 14-15 year-olds as adults discretionary based on public interest, rather than listing specific enumerated offenses.