FL S1556

Requires forfeiture actions to be stayed until final disposition of associated criminal charges, with the seizing agency required to notify the court in writing within 3 days of any criminal charge being filed

Mandates that property can only be forfeited after the claimant is convicted of or pleads guilty/nolo contendere to the criminal charge forming the basis for forfeiture

Requires immediate return of seized property to the owner with no fees assessed if all associated criminal charges are dismissed, dropped (nolle prosequi), or result in acquittal

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

Limits federal forfeiture involvement in joint task forces: for seizures valued at $100,000 or less, property must remain under state/local control, and agencies cannot accept federal forfeiture proceeds if the federal government refuses to allow state transfer