FL S1188

Establishes the Law Enforcement Behavioral Health Intervention Unit Pilot Program in Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia Counties for 3 years, requiring sheriff's offices to create specialized units with specially trained deputies to divert individuals with mental health or substance use disorders into community-based treatment instead of the criminal justice system

Creates the Misdemeanor Mental Health Diversion Pilot Program in the same four counties, requiring mental health screening of defendants within 24 hours of jail booking and providing pathways to voluntary or involuntary crisis stabilization and outpatient treatment as alternatives to incarceration

Requires state attorneys to consider dismissing misdemeanor charges upon a defendant's successful completion of recommended mental health treatment; cases may alternatively be referred to mental health court or other diversion programs

Exempts fiscally constrained counties participating in either pilot program from local matching fund requirements for Criminal Justice, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Reinvestment Grant Program planning and implementation grants

Requires participating counties to submit annual reports by December 30 to the Governor and legislative leaders detailing program outcomes including emergency calls responded to, arrests, diversions to treatment, recidivism rates, and costs; both pilot programs expire December 31, 2024