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FL H0243
Bill
Status
Failed
6/16/2025
Primary Sponsor
Alex Andrade
Click for details
AI Summary
- Narrows the scope of cash bond withholding so that clerks of court may only withhold funds from cash bonds posted by the criminal defendant or his or her spouse, removing the current authority to withhold from bonds posted by any third party other than a licensed bail bond agent
- Withheld funds cover unpaid costs of prosecution, costs of representation (under ss. 27.52 and 938.29), court fees, court costs, and criminal penalties
- Requires the clerk of court to immediately obtain payment from the defendant or enroll the defendant in a payment plan under s. 28.246 if the cash bond is insufficient to cover all outstanding obligations
- Mandates that all cash bond forms prominently display a notice that funds are subject to forfeiture and that the clerk is authorized to withhold funds posted by a defendant or spouse for payment of court-related costs and penalties
- Effective date is July 1, 2025
Legislative Description
Withholding Funds from the Return of Cash Bonds
Last Action
Died in Justice Budget Subcommittee
6/16/2025
Committee Referrals
Justice Budget Subcommittee2/19/2025
Criminal Justice Subcommittee2/6/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available