2024 Ushered In Some New Florida Bail Bonds Laws That You Need To Be Aware Of

The new year brought in some new bail bonds laws. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis requested that the legislature and Florida Supreme Court develop and implement a statewide uniform bond schedule. This was done in order to eliminate inconsistences across the state. House Bill 1627, was developed and brought changes to both pretrial release and bail bond fees.

Pretrial release is the time after a person is arrested but before the actual trial. A person can be denied pretrial release. The new law lists specific criteria that could keep a person from being granted bond. Examples of this criteria include committing dangerous crimes such as:

• Aggravated assault
• Aggravated battery
• Child abuse or aggravated child abuse
• Manslaughter, including DUI and BUI manslaughter
• Domestic violence
• Fentanyl trafficking
• Human trafficking
• Extortion

The new laws also changed the the monetary amount of bail bonds. Bail bonds now also have to follow a specific bond schedule. According to Florida law Administrative order AOSC23-88, the bond schedule is as follows:

1. Bond: $5,000 – For a person arrested for a third-degree felony involving any amount of force or threat of force.

2. Bond: $2,500 – For a person arrested for a third-degree felony that does not involve any force or threat of force.

3. Bond: $1,000 – For a person arrested for a first-degree misdemeanor or an ordinance punishable like a first-degree misdemeanor that involves any amount of force or threat of force.

4. Bond: $500 – For a person arrested for a first-degree misdemeanor or an ordinance punishable like a first-degree misdemeanor, that does not involve any force or threat of force against a person and that is not driving under the influence or boating under the influence.

5. Bond: $250 – For a person arrested for a second-degree misdemeanor or an ordinance punishable like a second-degree misdemeanor, that involves any amount of force or threat of force.

6. Bond: $150 – For a person arrested for a second-degree misdemeanor or an ordinance punishable like a second-degree misdemeanor, that does not involve force or threat of force against a person and that is not driving under the influence or boating under the influence.

7. Bond: $1,000 – For a person arrested for driving under the influence or boating under the influence, first degree misdemeanor.

8. Bond: $750 – For a person arrested for driving under the influence or boating under the influence, second offense, second degree misdemeanor

9. Bond: $500 – For a person arrested for driving under the influence or boating under the influence, first offense, second degree misdemeanor.

The uniform bond schedule was also implemented in order to make the bail bond amount the same across the state of Florida. This makes it more fair and less subjective. These guidelines help create equality in bond amounts for similar charges. This creates less confusion with defendants and those looking to pay the bond.

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