FL H1081

Requires forfeiture actions to be stayed after a finding of probable cause until final disposition of associated criminal charges or while prosecutors determine whether to file charges.

Mandates that property seized under state law can only be forfeited if the claimant is convicted of or pleads guilty/nolo contendere to the associated criminal offense.

Requires seized property to be immediately returned to the entitled person if all associated criminal charges are dismissed, result in acquittal, or are declined by the prosecuting agency, with no assessment of towing, storage, administrative, or maintenance costs.

Prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from transferring property seized under state law to federal agencies for federal forfeiture under the Controlled Substances Act.

Requires state and local agencies in joint task forces to transfer responsibility for seized property valued at $100,000 or less (excluding contraband value) back to the state/local seizing agency rather than to federal authorities.