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2020 Florida Statutes
Chapter 948
PROBATION AND COMMUNITY CONTROL
PROBATION AND COMMUNITY CONTROL
CHAPTER 948
PROBATION AND COMMUNITY CONTROL
948.001 Definitions.
948.01 When court may place defendant on probation or into community control.
948.011 When court may impose fine and place on probation or into community control as an alternative to imprisonment.
948.012 Split sentence of probation or community control and imprisonment.
948.013 Administrative probation.
948.014 Requirement to submit to drawing of blood or other biological specimens.
948.015 Presentence investigation reports.
948.03 Terms and conditions of probation.
948.031 Condition of probation or community control; community service.
948.032 Condition of probation; restitution.
948.033 Condition of probation or community control; criminal gang.
948.035 Residential treatment as a condition of probation or community control.
948.036 Work programs as a condition of probation, community control, or other court-ordered community supervision.
948.037 Education and learning as a condition of probation or community control.
948.038 Batterers’ intervention program as a condition of probation, community control, or other court-ordered community supervision.
948.039 Special terms and conditions of probation or community control imposed by court order.
948.04 Period of probation; duty of probationer; early termination; conversion of term.
948.041 Notification of outstanding terms of sentence upon termination of probation or community control.
948.05 Court to admonish or commend probationer or offender in community control; graduated incentives.
948.06 Violation of probation or community control; revocation; modification; continuance; failure to pay restitution or cost of supervision.
948.061 Identifying, assessing, and monitoring high-risk sex offenders on community supervision; providing cumulative criminal and supervision histories on the Internet.
948.062 Reviewing and reporting serious offenses committed by offenders placed on probation or community control.
948.063 Violations of probation or community control by designated sexual offenders and sexual predators.
948.064 Notification of status as a violent felony offender of special concern.
948.08 Pretrial intervention program.
948.081 Community court programs.
948.09 Payment for cost of supervision and other monetary obligations.
948.10 Community control programs; home confinement.
948.101 Terms and conditions of community control.
948.11 Electronic monitoring devices.
948.12 Intensive supervision for postprison release of violent offenders.
948.15 Misdemeanor probation services.
948.16 Misdemeanor pretrial substance abuse education and treatment intervention program; misdemeanor pretrial veterans’ treatment intervention program; misdemeanor pretrial mental health court program.
948.20 Drug offender probation.
948.21 Condition of probation or community control; military servicemembers and veterans.
948.30 Additional terms and conditions of probation or community control for certain sex offenses.
948.31 Evaluation and treatment of sexual predators and offenders on probation or community control.
948.32 Requirements of law enforcement agency upon arrest of persons for certain sex offenses.
948.51 Community corrections assistance to counties or county consortiums.
948.90 Local offender advisory councils.
948.001 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the term:
(1) “Administrative probation” means a form of no contact, nonreporting supervision. A court may order administrative probation, or the Department of Corrections may transfer an offender to administrative probation, as provided in s. 948.013.
(2) “Child care facility” has the same meaning as provided in s. 402.302.
(3) “Community control” means a form of intensive, supervised custody in the community, including surveillance on weekends and holidays, administered by officers with restricted caseloads. Community control is an individualized program in which the freedom of an offender is restricted within the community, home, or noninstitutional residential placement and specific sanctions are imposed and enforced.
(4) “Drug offender probation” means a form of intensive supervision that emphasizes treatment of drug offenders in accordance with individualized treatment plans administered by officers with restricted caseloads. Caseloads should be restricted to a maximum of 50 cases per officer in order to ensure an adequate level of staffing.
(5) “Mental health probation” means a form of specialized supervision that emphasizes mental health treatment and working with treatment providers to focus on underlying mental health disorders and compliance with a prescribed psychotropic medication regimen in accordance with individualized treatment plans. Mental health probation shall be supervised by officers with restricted caseloads who are sensitive to the unique needs of individuals with mental health disorders, and who will work in tandem with community mental health case managers assigned to the defendant. Caseloads of such officers should be restricted to a maximum of 50 cases per officer in order to ensure an adequate level of staffing and supervision.
(6) “Park” has the same meaning as provided in s. 775.215.
(7) “Playground” has the same meaning as provided in s. 775.215.
(8) “Probation” means a form of community supervision requiring specified contacts with probation officers and other terms and conditions as provided in s. 948.03.
(9) “Qualified practitioner” means a social worker, mental health counselor, or a marriage and family therapist licensed under chapter 491 who, as determined by rule of the respective board, has the coursework, training, qualifications, and experience to evaluate and treat sexual offenders; a psychiatrist licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459; or a psychologist licensed under chapter 490.
(10) “Risk assessment” means an assessment completed by a qualified practitioner to evaluate the level of risk associated when a sex offender has contact with a child.
(11) “Safety plan” means a written document prepared by the qualified practitioner, in collaboration with the sex offender, the child’s parent or legal guardian, and, when appropriate, the child which establishes clear roles and responsibilities for each individual involved in any contact between the child and the sex offender.
(12) “School” has the same meaning as provided in s. 775.215.
(13) “Sex offender probation” or “sex offender community control” means a form of intensive supervision, with or without electronic monitoring, which emphasizes treatment and supervision of a sex offender in accordance with an individualized treatment plan administered by an officer who has a restricted caseload and specialized training. An officer who supervises an offender placed on sex offender probation or sex offender community control must meet as necessary with a treatment provider and polygraph examiner to develop and implement the supervision and treatment plan, if a treatment provider and polygraph examiner specially trained in the treatment and monitoring of sex offenders are reasonably available.
History.—s. 11, ch. 83-131; s. 13, ch. 91-225; s. 32, ch. 92-310; s. 3, ch. 93-59; s. 13, ch. 93-227; s. 80, ch. 95-211; s. 2, ch. 97-308; s. 1, ch. 2004-373; s. 3, ch. 2005-67; s. 8, ch. 2007-200; s. 9, ch. 2007-209; s. 17, ch. 2010-64; s. 11, ch. 2010-92; s. 9, ch. 2010-113; s. 14, ch. 2016-127; s. 30, ch. 2016-224; s. 1, ch. 2017-115; s. 59, ch. 2019-167.
948.01 When court may place defendant on probation or into community control.—
(1) Any state court having original jurisdiction of criminal actions may at a time to be determined by the court, with or without an adjudication of the guilt of the defendant, hear and determine the question of the probation of a defendant in a criminal case, except for an offense punishable by death, who has been found guilty by the verdict of a jury, has entered a plea of guilty or a plea of nolo contendere, or has been found guilty by the court trying the case without a jury.
(a) If the court places the defendant on probation or into community control for a felony, the department shall provide immediate supervision by an officer employed in compliance with the minimum qualifications for officers as provided in s. 943.13. A private entity may not provide probationary or supervision services to felony or misdemeanor offenders sentenced or placed on probation or other supervision by the circuit court.
(b) The department, in consultation with the Office of the State Courts Administrator, shall revise and make available to the courts uniform order of supervision forms by July 1 of each year or as necessary. The courts shall use the uniform order of supervision forms provided by the department for all persons placed on community supervision.
(2) If it appears to the court upon a hearing of the matter that the defendant is not likely again to engage in a criminal course of conduct and that the ends of justice and the welfare of society do not require that the defendant presently suffer the penalty imposed by law, the court, in its discretion, may either adjudge the defendant to be guilty or stay and withhold the adjudication of guilt. In either case, the court shall stay and withhold the imposition of sentence upon the defendant and shall place a felony defendant upon probation. If the defendant is found guilty of a nonfelony offense as the result of a trial or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld, the court may place the defendant on probation. In addition to court costs and fees and notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the court may impose a fine authorized by law if the offender is a nonfelony offender who is not placed on probation. However, a defendant who is placed on probation for a misdemeanor may not be placed under the supervision of the department unless the circuit court was the court of original jurisdiction.
(3) If, after considering the provisions of subsection (2) and the offender’s prior record or the seriousness of the offense, it appears to the court in the case of a felony disposition that probation is an unsuitable dispositional alternative to imprisonment, the court may place the offender in a community control program as provided in s. 948.10. Or, in a case of prior disposition of a felony commitment, upon motion of the offender or the department or upon its own motion, the court may, within the period of its retained jurisdiction following commitment, suspend the further execution of the disposition and place the offender in a community control program upon such terms as the court may require. The court may consult with a local offender advisory council pursuant to s. 948.90 with respect to the placement of an offender into community control. Not later than 3 working days before the hearing on the motion, the department shall forward to the court all relevant material on the offender’s progress while in custody. If this sentencing alternative to incarceration is utilized, the court shall:
(a) Determine what community-based sanctions will be imposed in the community control plan. Community-based sanctions may include, but are not limited to, rehabilitative restitution in money or in kind, curfew, revocation or suspension of the driver license, community service, deprivation of nonessential activities or privileges, or other appropriate restraints on the offender’s liberty.
(b) After appropriate sanctions for the offense are determined, develop, approve, and order a plan of community control which contains rules, requirements, conditions, and programs that are designed to encourage noncriminal functional behavior and promote the rehabilitation of the offender and the protection of the community. If the offense was a controlled substance violation, the conditions shall include a requirement that the offender submit to random substance abuse testing intermittently throughout the term of supervision, upon the direction of the correctional probation officer as defined in s. 943.10(3).
(4) The sanctions imposed by order of the court shall be commensurate with the seriousness of the offense. When community control or a program of public service is ordered by the court, the duration of community control supervision or public service may not be longer than the sentence that could have been imposed if the offender had been committed for the offense or a period not to exceed 2 years, whichever is less. When restitution or public service is ordered by the court, the amount of restitution or public service may not be greater than an amount which the offender could reasonably be expected to pay or perform.
(5) The imposition of sentence may not be suspended and the defendant thereupon placed on probation or into community control unless the defendant is placed under the custody of the department or another public or private entity. A private entity may not provide probationary or supervision services to felony or misdemeanor offenders sentenced or placed on probation or other supervision by the circuit court.
(6) When the court, under any of the foregoing subsections, places a defendant on probation or into community control, it may specify that the defendant serve all or part of the probationary or community control period in a community residential or nonresidential facility under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections or the Department of Children and Families or any public or private entity providing such services, and it shall require the payment prescribed in s. 948.09.
(7)(a) Notwithstanding s. 921.0024 and effective for offenses committed on or after July 1, 2009, the sentencing court may place the defendant into a postadjudicatory treatment-based drug court program if the defendant’s Criminal Punishment Code scoresheet total sentence points under s. 921.0024 are 60 points or fewer, the offense is a nonviolent felony, the defendant is amenable to substance abuse treatment, and the defendant otherwise qualifies under s. 397.334(3). The satisfactory completion of the program shall be a condition of the defendant’s probation or community control. As used in this subsection, the term “nonviolent felony” means a third degree felony violation under chapter 810 or any other felony offense that is not a forcible felony as defined in s. 776.08.
(b) The defendant must be fully advised of the purpose of the program, and the defendant must agree to enter the program. The original sentencing court shall relinquish jurisdiction of the defendant’s case to the postadjudicatory drug court program until the defendant is no longer active in the program, the case is returned to the sentencing court due to the defendant’s termination from the program for failure to comply with the terms thereof, or the defendant’s sentence is completed.
(8)(a) Notwithstanding s. 921.0024 and effective for offenses committed on or after July 1, 2016, the sentencing court may place the defendant into a postadjudicatory mental health court program if the offense is a nonviolent felony, the defendant is amenable to mental health treatment, including taking prescribed medications, and the defendant is otherwise qualified under s. 394.47892(4). The satisfactory completion of the program must be a condition of the defendant’s probation or community control. As used in this subsection, the term “nonviolent felony” means a third degree felony violation under chapter 810 or any other felony offense that is not a forcible felony as defined in s. 776.08. Defendants charged with resisting an officer with violence under s. 843.01, battery on a law enforcement officer under s. 784.07, or aggravated assault may participate in the mental health court program if the court so orders after the victim is given his or her right to provide testimony or written statement to the court as provided in s. 921.143.
(b) The defendant must be fully advised of the purpose of the mental health court program, and the defendant must agree to enter the program. The original sentencing court shall relinquish jurisdiction of the defendant’s case to the postadjudicatory mental health court program until the defendant is no longer active in the program, the case is returned to the sentencing court due to the defendant’s termination from the program for failure to comply with the terms thereof, or the defendant’s sentence is completed.
(c) The Department of Corrections may establish designated and trained mental health probation officers to support individuals under supervision of the mental health court program.
History.—s. 20, ch. 20519, 1941; s. 7, ch. 22858, 1945; s. 1, ch. 59-130; s. 1, ch. 61-498; s. 1, ch. 65-453; s. 1, ch. 67-204; ss. 12, 13, ch. 74-112; s. 3, ch. 75-301; s. 3, ch. 76-238; s. 90, ch. 77-120; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 109, ch. 79-3; s. 13, ch. 83-131; s. 14, ch. 85-288; s. 1, ch. 86-106; s. 4, ch. 87-211; s. 69, ch. 88-122; s. 36, ch. 89-526; ss. 7, 16, ch. 90-337; ss. 2, 14, ch. 91-225; ss. 1, 15, ch. 91-280; s. 14, ch. 93-227; s. 17, ch. 96-322; s. 21, ch. 97-78; s. 1876, ch. 97-102; s. 6, ch. 97-239; s. 13, ch. 98-81; s. 121, ch. 99-3; s. 323, ch. 99-8; s. 3, ch. 2000-246; s. 4, ch. 2001-55; ss. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 40, ch. 2004-373; s. 5, ch. 2008-250; s. 6, ch. 2009-6; s. 10, ch. 2009-63; s. 3, ch. 2009-64; s. 3, ch. 2011-33; s. 331, ch. 2014-19; s. 15, ch. 2016-127; ss. 2, 19, ch. 2017-115; s. 14, ch. 2019-113.
948.011 When court may impose fine and place on probation or into community control as an alternative to imprisonment.—When the law authorizes the placing of a defendant on probation, and when the defendant’s offense is punishable by both fine and imprisonment, the trial court may, in its discretion, impose a fine upon him or her and place him or her on probation or into community control as an alternative to imprisonment.
History.—s. 1, ch. 59-175; s. 14, ch. 83-131; s. 1683, ch. 97-102; s. 13, ch. 2004-373.
948.012 Split sentence of probation or community control and imprisonment.—
(1) If punishment by imprisonment for a misdemeanor or a felony, except for a capital felony, is prescribed, the court may, at the time of sentencing, impose a split sentence whereby the defendant is to be placed on probation or, with respect to any such felony, into community control upon completion of any specified period of such sentence which may include a term of years or less. In such case, the court shall stay and withhold the imposition of the remainder of sentence imposed upon the defendant and direct that the defendant be placed upon probation or into community control after serving such period as may be imposed by the court. Except as provided in s. 944.4731(2)(b) and subsection (6), the period of probation or community control shall commence immediately upon the release of the defendant from incarceration, whether by parole or gain-time allowances.
(2) The court may also impose a split sentence whereby the defendant is sentenced to a term of probation which may be followed by a period of incarceration or, with respect to a felony, into community control, as follows:
(a) If the offender meets the terms and conditions of probation or community control, any term of incarceration may be modified by court order to eliminate the term of incarceration.
(b) If the offender does not meet the terms and conditions of probation or community control, the court may revoke, modify, or continue the probation or community control as provided in s. 948.06. If the probation or community control is revoked, the court may impose any sentence that it could have imposed at the time the offender was placed on probation or community control. The court may not provide credit for time served for any portion of a probation or community control term toward a subsequent term of probation or community control. However, the court may not impose a subsequent term of probation or community control which, when combined with any amount of time served on preceding terms of probation or community control for offenses pending before the court for sentencing, would exceed the maximum penalty allowable as provided in s. 775.082. Such term of incarceration shall be served under applicable law or county ordinance governing service of sentences in state or county jurisdiction. This paragraph does not prohibit any other sanction provided by law.
(3) The court may also impose split probation whereby, upon satisfactory completion of half the term of probation, the Department of Corrections may place the offender on administrative probation for the remainder of the term of supervision.
(4) Effective for offenses committed on or after September 1, 2005, the court must impose a split sentence pursuant to subsection (1) for any person who is convicted of a life felony for lewd and lascivious molestation pursuant to s. 800.04(5)(b) if the court imposes a term of years in accordance with s. 775.082(3)(a)4.a.(II) rather than life imprisonment. The probation or community control portion of the split sentence imposed by the court for a defendant must extend for the duration of the defendant’s natural life and include a condition that he or she be electronically monitored.
(5)(a) Effective for offenses committed on or after October 1, 2014, if the court imposes a term of years in accordance with s. 775.082 which is less than the maximum sentence for the offense, the court must impose a split sentence pursuant to subsection (1) for any person who is convicted of a violation of:
1. Section 782.04(1)(a)2.c.;
2. Section 787.01(3)(a)2. or 3.;
3. Section 787.02(3)(a)2. or 3.;
4. Section 794.011, excluding s. 794.011(10);
5. Section 800.04;
6. Section 825.1025; or
7. Section 847.0135(5).
(b) The probation or community control portion of the split sentence imposed by the court must extend for at least 2 years. However, if the term of years imposed by the court extends to within 2 years of the maximum sentence for the offense, the probation or community control portion of the split sentence must extend for the remainder of the maximum sentence.
(6) If a defendant who has been sentenced to a split sentence pursuant to subsection (1) is transferred to the custody of the Department of Children and Families pursuant to part V of chapter 394, the period of probation or community control is tolled until such person is no longer in the custody of the Department of Children and Families. This subsection applies to all sentences of probation or community control which begin on or after October 1, 2014, regardless of the date of the underlying offense.
History.—s. 1, ch. 67-204; s. 12, ch. 74-112; s. 13, ch. 83-131; s. 14, ch. 85-288; s. 14, ch. 91-225; s. 1, ch. 91-280; s. 21, ch. 97-78; s. 121, ch. 99-3; ss. 4, 8, 9, ch. 2004-373; s. 14, ch. 2005-28; s. 115, ch. 2006-1; s. 6, ch. 2007-2; s. 2, ch. 2008-182; s. 14, ch. 2014-4; s. 22, ch. 2016-127; s. 3, ch. 2017-115; s. 135, ch. 2019-167.
Note.—Former s. 948.01(6), (11), (12).
948.013 Administrative probation.—
(1) The Department of Corrections may transfer an offender to administrative probation if he or she presents a low risk of harm to the community and has satisfactorily completed at least half of his or her probation term. The department may establish procedures for transferring an offender to administrative probation. The department may collect an initial processing fee of up to $50 for each probationer transferred to administrative probation. The offender is exempt from further payment for the cost of supervision as required in s. 948.09.
(2)(a) Effective for an offense committed on or after July 1, 1998, and before October 1, 2017, a person is ineligible for placement on administrative probation if the person is sentenced to or is serving a term of probation or community control, regardless of the conviction or adjudication, for committing, or attempting, conspiring, or soliciting to commit, any of the felony offenses described in s. 787.01 or s. 787.02, where the victim is a minor and the defendant is not the victim’s parent; s. 787.025; s. 787.06(3)(g); chapter 794; former s. 796.03; s. 800.04; s. 825.1025(2)(b); s. 827.071; s. 847.0133; s. 847.0135; or s. 847.0145.
(b) Effective for an offense committed on or after October 1, 2017, a person is ineligible for placement on administrative probation if the person is sentenced to or is serving a term of probation or community control, regardless of the conviction or adjudication, for committing, or attempting, conspiring, or soliciting to commit, any of the felony offenses described in s. 775.21(4)(a)1.a. or b. or s. 943.0435(1)(h)1.a.
History.—s. 13, ch. 98-81; s. 3, ch. 2000-246; s. 12, ch. 2004-373; s. 31, ch. 2014-160; s. 4, ch. 2017-115; s. 60, ch. 2019-167.
Note.—Subsection (2) former s. 948.01(15).
948.014 Requirement to submit to drawing of blood or other biological specimens.—
(1) As a condition of probation, community control, or any other court-ordered community supervision, the court shall order offenders to submit to the drawing of the blood or other biological specimens when required under s. 943.325 as a condition of the probation, community control, or other court-ordered community supervision.
(2) For the purposes of this section, conviction shall include a finding of guilty, or entry of a plea of nolo contendere or guilty, regardless of adjudication, or, in the case of a juvenile, the finding of delinquency.
(3) Any order issued pursuant to this section shall also require the convicted person to reimburse the appropriate agency for the costs of drawing and transmitting the blood or other biological specimens to the Department of Law Enforcement.
History.—s. 53, ch. 95-283; s. 15, ch. 98-251; s. 122, ch. 99-3; ss. 23, 24, ch. 2004-373; s. 4, ch. 2009-190.
Note.—Former s. 948.03(10), (11).
948.015 Presentence investigation reports.—The circuit court, when the defendant in a criminal case has been found guilty or has entered a plea of nolo contendere or guilty and has a lowest permissible sentence under the Criminal Punishment Code of any nonstate prison sanction, may refer the case to the department for investigation or recommendation. Upon such referral, the department shall make the following report in writing at a time specified by the court prior to sentencing. The full report shall include:
(1) A complete description of the situation surrounding the criminal activity with which the offender has been charged, including a synopsis of the trial transcript, if one has been made; nature of the plea agreement, including the number of counts waived, the pleas agreed upon, the sentence agreed upon, and any additional terms of agreement; and, at the offender’s discretion, his or her version and explanation of the criminal activity.
(2) The offender’s sentencing status, including whether the offender is a first offender, a habitual or violent offender, a youthful offender, or is currently on probation.
(3) The offender’s prior record of arrests and convictions.
(4) The offender’s educational background.
(5) The offender’s employment background, including any military record, present employment status, and occupational capabilities.
(6) The offender’s financial status, including total monthly income and estimated total debts.
(7) The social history of the offender, including his or her family relationships, marital status, interests, and activities.
(8) The residence history of the offender.
(9) The offender’s medical history and, as appropriate, a psychological or psychiatric evaluation.
(10) Information about the environments to which the offender might return or to which the offender could be sent should a sentence of nonincarceration or community supervision be imposed by the court, and consideration of the offender’s plan concerning employment supervision and treatment.
(11) Information about any resources available to assist the offender, such as:
(a) Treatment centers.
(b) Residential facilities.
(c) Career training programs.
(d) Special education programs.
(e) Services that may preclude or supplement commitment to the department.
(12) The views of the person preparing the report as to the offender’s motivations and ambitions and an assessment of the offender’s explanations for his or her criminal activity.
(13) An explanation of the offender’s criminal record, if any, including his or her version and explanation of any previous offenses.
(14) A statement regarding the extent of any victim’s loss or injury.
(15) A recommendation as to disposition by the court. The department shall make a written determination as to the reasons for its recommendation, and shall include an evaluation of the following factors:
(a) The appropriateness or inappropriateness of community facilities, programs, or services for treatment or supervision for the offender.
(b) The ability or inability of the department to provide an adequate level of supervision for the offender in the community and a statement of what constitutes an adequate level of supervision.
(c) The existence of other treatment modalities which the offender could use but which do not exist at present in the community.
History.—s. 3, ch. 91-280; s. 1684, ch. 97-102; s. 33, ch. 97-194; s. 18, ch. 98-204; s. 64, ch. 2004-357.
948.03 Terms and conditions of probation.—
(1) The court shall determine the terms and conditions of probation. Conditions specified in this section do not require oral pronouncement at the time of sentencing and may be considered standard conditions of probation. These conditions may include among them the following, that the probationer or offender in community control shall:
(a) Report to the probation officer as directed.
(b) Permit the probation officer to visit him or her at his or her home or elsewhere.
(c) Work faithfully at suitable employment insofar as may be possible.
(d) Remain within a specified place.
(e) Live without violating any law. A conviction in a court of law is not necessary for such a violation of law to constitute a violation of probation, community control, or any other form of court-ordered supervision.
(f) Make reparation or restitution to the aggrieved party for the damage or loss caused by his or her offense in an amount to be determined by the court. The court shall make such reparation or restitution a condition of probation, unless it determines that clear and compelling reasons exist to the contrary. If the court does not order restitution, or orders restitution of only a portion of the damages, as provided in s. 775.089, it shall state on the record in detail the reasons therefor.
(g) Effective July 1, 1994, and applicable for offenses committed on or after that date, make payment of the debt due and owing to a county or municipal detention facility under s. 951.032 for medical care, treatment, hospitalization, or transportation received by the felony probationer while in that detention facility. The court, in determining whether to order such repayment and the amount of the repayment, shall consider the amount of the debt, whether there was any fault of the institution for the medical expenses incurred, the financial resources of the felony probationer, the present and potential future financial needs and earning ability of the probationer, and dependents, and other appropriate factors.
(h) Support his or her legal dependents to the best of his or her ability.
(i) Make payment of the debt due and owing to the state under s. 960.17, subject to modification based on change of circumstances.
(j) Pay any application fee assessed under s. 27.52(1)(b) and attorney’s fees and costs assessed under s. 938.29, subject to modification based on change of circumstances.
(k) Not associate with persons engaged in criminal activities.
(l)1. Submit to random testing as directed by the probation officer or the professional staff of the treatment center where he or she is receiving treatment to determine the presence or use of alcohol or controlled substances.
2. If the offense was a controlled substance violation and the period of probation immediately follows a period of incarceration in the state correctional system, the conditions must include a requirement that the offender submit to random substance abuse testing intermittently throughout the term of supervision, upon the direction of the probation officer.
(m) Be prohibited from possessing, carrying, or owning any:
1. Firearm.
2. Weapon without first procuring the consent of the probation officer.
(n) Be prohibited from using intoxicants to excess or possessing any drugs or narcotics unless prescribed by a physician, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a physician assistant. The probationer or community controllee may not knowingly visit places where intoxicants, drugs, or other dangerous substances are unlawfully sold, dispensed, or used.
(o) Submit to the drawing of blood or other biological specimens as prescribed in ss. 943.325 and 948.014, and reimburse the appropriate agency for the costs of drawing and transmitting the blood or other biological specimens to the Department of Law Enforcement.
(p) Submit to the taking of a digitized photograph by the department as a part of the offender’s records. This photograph may be displayed on the department’s public website while the offender is under court-ordered supervision. However, the department may not display the photograph on the website if the offender is only on pretrial intervention supervision or if the offender’s identity is exempt from disclosure due to an exemption from the requirements of s. 119.07.
(2) The enumeration of specific kinds of terms and conditions does not prevent the court from adding thereto such other or others as it considers proper. However, the sentencing court may only impose a condition of supervision allowing an offender convicted of s. 794.011, s. 800.04, s. 827.071, s. 847.0135(5), or s. 847.0145 to reside in another state if the order stipulates that it is contingent upon the approval of the receiving state interstate compact authority. The court may rescind or modify at any time the terms and conditions theretofore imposed by it upon the probationer. However, if the court withholds adjudication of guilt or imposes a period of incarceration as a condition of probation, the period may not exceed 364 days, and incarceration shall be restricted to either a county facility, or a probation and restitution center under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections.
History.—s. 23, ch. 20519, 1941; s. 5, ch. 77-452; s. 1, ch. 81-198; s. 3, ch. 83-75; s. 16, ch. 83-131; s. 192, ch. 83-216; s. 3, ch. 83-256; s. 8, ch. 84-363; s. 15, ch. 85-288; s. 5, ch. 87-211; s. 11, ch. 88-96; ss. 70, 71, ch. 88-122; s. 37, ch. 89-526; s. 10, ch. 90-287; ss. 8, 17, ch. 90-337; s. 11, ch. 91-225; s. 4, ch. 91-280; s. 23, ch. 92-310; s. 10, ch. 93-37; s. 15, ch. 93-227; s. 1, ch. 94-294; s. 1, ch. 95-189; ss. 53, 59, ch. 95-283; s. 1, ch. 96-170; s. 4, ch. 96-232; s. 54, ch. 96-312; s. 6, ch. 96-409; s. 22, ch. 97-78; s. 1877, ch. 97-102; s. 11, ch. 97-107; s. 27, ch. 97-234; s. 44, ch. 97-271; s. 3, ch. 97-308; s. 14, ch. 98-81; s. 15, ch. 98-251; s. 122, ch. 99-3; s. 13, ch. 99-201; s. 3, ch. 2000-246; s. 6, ch. 2001-50; s. 1045, ch. 2002-387; s. 1, ch. 2003-18; s. 1, ch. 2003-63; s. 136, ch. 2003-402; ss. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, ch. 2004-373; s. 116, ch. 2006-1; s. 28, ch. 2008-172; s. 18, ch. 2010-64; s. 19, ch. 2016-224; s. 5, ch. 2017-115; s. 86, ch. 2018-106; s. 97, ch. 2018-110.
948.031 Condition of probation or community control; community service.—
(1) Any person who is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and who is placed on probation or into community control may be required as a condition of supervision to perform some type of community service for a tax-supported or tax-exempt entity, with the consent of such entity. Such community service shall be performed at a time other than during such person’s regular hours of employment.
(2) Upon the request of the chief judge of the circuit, the Department of Corrections shall establish a community service program for a county, which program may include, but is not limited to, any of the following types of community service:
(a) Maintenance work on any property or building owned or leased by any state, county, or municipality or any nonprofit organization or agency.
(b) Maintenance work on any state-owned, county-owned, or municipally owned road or highway.
(c) Landscaping or maintenance work in any state, county, or municipal park or recreation area.
(d) Work in any state, county, or municipal hospital or any developmental services institution or other nonprofit organization or agency.
History.—s. 1, ch. 76-70; s. 17, ch. 83-131; s. 77, ch. 87-226; s. 30, ch. 89-308; s. 6, ch. 2017-115.
948.032 Condition of probation; restitution.—If a defendant is placed on probation, any restitution ordered under s. 775.089 shall be a condition of the probation. The court may revoke probation if the defendant fails to comply with the order. In determining whether to revoke probation, the court shall consider the defendant’s employment status, earning ability, and financial resources; the willfulness of the defendant’s failure to pay; and any other special circumstances that may have a bearing on the defendant’s ability to pay.
History.—s. 5, ch. 84-363; s. 11, ch. 93-37.
948.033 Condition of probation or community control; criminal gang.—Effective for a probationer or community controllee whose crime was committed on or after October 1, 2008, and who has been found to have committed the crime for the purpose of benefiting, promoting, or furthering the interests of a criminal gang, the court shall, in addition to any other conditions imposed, impose a condition prohibiting the probationer or community controllee from knowingly associating with other criminal gang members or associates, except as authorized by law enforcement officials, prosecutorial authorities, or the court, for the purpose of aiding in the investigation of criminal activity.
History.—s. 21, ch. 2008-238.
948.035 Residential treatment as a condition of probation or community control.—
(1) If the court imposes a period of residential treatment or incarceration as a condition of probation or community control, the residential treatment or incarceration shall be restricted to the following facilities:
(a) A Department of Corrections probation and restitution center;
(b) A community residential facility that is owned and operated by a public or private entity, excluding a community correctional center as defined in s. 944.026; or
(c) A county-owned facility.
(2) It is the intent of the Legislature that a county jail be used as the last available alternative for placement of an offender as a condition of probation. However, this shall not create a right of placement for the probationer, nor shall it restrict judicial discretion in ordering such treatment or incarceration.
(3) Before admission to such a facility or center, a qualified practitioner must provide an individual assessment and recommendation on the appropriate treatment needs. Placement in such a facility or center may not exceed 364 days. Early completion of an offender’s placement shall be recommended to the court, when appropriate, by the facility or center supervisor, by the supervising probation officer, or by the program manager. The Department of Corrections is authorized to contract with appropriate agencies for provision of services.
History.—s. 15, ch. 85-288; s. 37, ch. 89-526; s. 10, ch. 90-287; s. 11, ch. 91-225; s. 4, ch. 91-280; s. 20, ch. 2004-373; s. 7, ch. 2017-115.
Note.—Former s. 948.03(7).
948.036 Work programs as a condition of probation, community control, or other court-ordered community supervision.—
(1) Whenever an offender is required by the court to participate in any work program under the provisions of this chapter, enters into the pretrial intervention program pursuant to s. 948.08, or volunteers to work in a supervised work program conducted by a specified state, county, municipal, or community service organization or to work for the victim, either as an alternative to monetary restitution or as a part of the rehabilitative or community control program, the offender shall be considered an employee of the state for the purposes of chapter 440.
(2) In determining the average weekly wage, unless otherwise determined by a specific funding program, all remuneration received from the employer shall be considered a gratuity, and the offender shall not be entitled to any benefits otherwise payable under s. 440.15, regardless of whether the offender may be receiving wages and remuneration from other employment with another employer and regardless of his or her future wage-earning capacity. The provisions of this section do not apply to any person performing labor under a sentence of a court to perform community services as provided in s. 316.193.
History.—s. 70, ch. 88-122; s. 37, ch. 89-526; s. 8, ch. 90-337; s. 4, ch. 91-280; s. 1877, ch. 97-102; s. 21, ch. 2004-373; s. 141, ch. 2019-167.
Note.—Former s. 948.03(8).
948.037 Education and learning as a condition of probation or community control.—
(1) As a condition of community control, probation, or probation following incarceration, the court may require an offender who has not obtained a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma or who lacks basic or functional literacy skills, upon acceptance by an adult education program, to make a good faith effort toward completion of such basic or functional literacy skills or high school equivalency diploma, as defined in s. 1003.435, in accordance with the assessed adult general education needs of the individual offender. The court may not revoke community control, probation, or probation following incarceration because of the offender’s inability to achieve such skills or diploma but may revoke community control, probation, or probation following incarceration if the offender fails to make a good faith effort to achieve such skills or diploma. The court may grant early termination of community control, probation, or probation following incarceration upon the offender’s successful completion of the approved program. As used in this subsection, “good faith effort” means the offender is enrolled in a program of instruction and is attending and making satisfactory progress toward completion of the requirements.
(2) A juvenile on community control who is a public school student must attend a public adult education program or a dropout prevention program, pursuant to s. 1003.53, which includes a second chance school or an alternative to expulsion, if the school district where the juvenile is enrolled offers such programs, unless the principal of the school determines that special circumstances warrant continuation in the regular educational school program.
(3) If a juvenile on community control attends a regular educational school program because a public adult education program or dropout prevention program, which includes a second chance school or an alternative to expulsion, is not available in the school district, the identity of the juvenile on community control, the nature of the felony offense committed by the juvenile, and the conditions of community control must be made known to each of the student’s teachers.
History.—s. 23, ch. 92-310; s. 27, ch. 97-234; s. 1045, ch. 2002-387; s. 22, ch. 2004-373; s. 8, ch. 2017-115.
Note.—Former s. 948.03(9).
948.038 Batterers’ intervention program as a condition of probation, community control, or other court-ordered community supervision.—As a condition of probation, community control, or any other court-ordered community supervision, the court shall order a person convicted of an offense of domestic violence, as defined in s. 741.28, to attend and successfully complete a batterers’ intervention program unless the court determines that the person does not qualify for the batterers’ intervention program pursuant to s. 741.325. The offender must pay the cost of attending the program.
History.—s. 6, ch. 2001-50; s. 25, ch. 2004-373; s. 15, ch. 2012-147.
Note.—Former s. 948.03(12).
948.039 Special terms and conditions of probation or community control imposed by court order.—The court may determine any special terms and conditions of probation or community control. The terms and conditions should be reasonably related to the circumstances of the offense committed and appropriate for the offender. The court shall impose the special terms and conditions by oral pronouncement at sentencing and include the terms and conditions in the written sentencing order. Special terms and conditions may include, but are not limited to, requirements that the offender:
(1) Attend an HIV/AIDS awareness program consisting of a class of not less than 2 hours or more than 4 hours in length, if such a program is available in the county of the offender’s residence. The offender shall pay the cost of attending the program.
(2) Pay not more than $1 per month during the term of probation or community control to a nonprofit organization established for the sole purpose of supplementing the rehabilitative efforts of the Department of Corrections.
History.—s. 26, ch. 2004-373.
948.04 Period of probation; duty of probationer; early termination; conversion of term.—
(1) Defendants found guilty of felonies who are placed on probation shall be under supervision not to exceed 2 years unless otherwise specified by the court. No defendant placed on probation pursuant to s. 948.012(1) is subject to the probation limitations of this subsection. A defendant who is placed on probation or community control for a violation of chapter 794 or chapter 827 is subject to the maximum level of supervision provided by the supervising agency, and that supervision shall continue through the full term of the court-imposed probation or community control.
(2) Upon the termination of the period of probation, the probationer shall be released from probation and is not liable to sentence for the offense for which probation was allowed. During the period of probation, the probationer shall perform the terms and conditions of his or her probation.
(3) If the probationer has performed satisfactorily, has not been found in violation of any terms or conditions of supervision, and has met all financial sanctions imposed by the court, including, but not limited to, fines, court costs, and restitution, the Department of Corrections may recommend early termination of probation to the court at any time before the scheduled termination date.
(4) Except as provided in subsection (5), for defendants sentenced to probation on or after October 1, 2019, the court, upon motion by the probationer or the probation officer, shall either early terminate the probationer’s supervision or convert the supervisory term to administrative probation if all of the following requirements are met:
(a) The probationer has completed at least half of the term of probation to which he or she was sentenced.
(b) The probationer has successfully completed all other conditions of probation.
(c) The court has not found the probationer in violation of probation pursuant to a filed affidavit of violation of probation at any point during the current supervisory term.
(d) The parties did not specifically exclude the possibility of early termination or conversion to administrative probation as part of a negotiated sentence.
(e) The probationer does not qualify as a violent felony offender of special concern under s. 948.06(8)(b).
(5) Upon making written findings that continued reporting probation is necessary to protect the community or the interests of justice, the court may decline to early terminate the probationary term or convert the term to administrative probation for a probationer who is otherwise eligible under subsection (4).
(6) Subsections (4) and (5) do not apply to an offender on community control. If an offender on community control is subsequently placed on probation, he or she must complete half of the probationary term to which he or she was sentenced, without receiving credit for time served on community control, before being eligible for mandatory early termination or conversion to administrative probation under this section.
History.—s. 24, ch. 20519, 1941; s. 5, ch. 21775, 1943; s. 10, ch. 74-112; s. 1, ch. 79-77; s. 18, ch. 83-131; s. 3, ch. 83-228; s. 5, ch. 91-280; s. 1, ch. 92-76; s. 5, ch. 93-59; s. 1686, ch. 97-102; s. 31, ch. 2004-373; s. 12, ch. 2010-113; s. 61, ch. 2019-167.
948.041 Notification of outstanding terms of sentence upon termination of probation or community control.—Upon the termination of an offender’s term of probation or community control, the department must notify the offender in writing of all outstanding terms at the time of termination to assist the offender in determining his or her status with regard to the completion of all terms of sentence, as that term is defined in s. 98.0751.
History.—s. 31, ch. 2019-162.
948.05 Court to admonish or commend probationer or offender in community control; graduated incentives.—
(1) A court may at any time cause a probationer or offender in community control to appear before it to be admonished or commended, and, when satisfied that its action will be for the best interests of justice and the welfare of society, it may discharge the probationer or offender in community control from further supervision.
(2) The department shall implement a system of graduated incentives to promote compliance with the terms of supervision and prioritize the highest levels of supervision for probationers or offenders presenting the greatest risk of recidivism.
(a) As part of the graduated incentives system, the department may, without leave of court, offer the following incentives to a compliant probationer or offender in community control:
1. Up to 25 percent reduction of required community service hours;
2. Waiver of supervision fees;
3. Reduction in frequency of reporting;
4. Permission to report by mail or telephone; or
5. Transfer of an eligible offender to administrative probation as authorized under s. 948.013.
(b) The department may also incentivize positive behavior and compliance with recommendations to the court to modify the terms of supervision, including recommending:
1. Permission to travel;
2. Reduction of supervision type;
3. Modification or cessation of curfew;
4. Reduction or cessation of substance abuse testing; or
5. Early termination of supervision.
(c) A probationer or offender who commits a subsequent violation of probation may forfeit any previously earned probation incentive, as determined appropriate by his or her probation officer.
History.—s. 25, ch. 20519, 1941; s. 19, ch. 83-131; s. 62, ch. 2019-167.
948.06 Violation of probation or community control; revocation; modification; continuance; failure to pay restitution or cost of supervision.—
(1)(a) Whenever within the period of probation or community control there are reasonable grounds to believe that a probationer or offender in community control has violated his or her probation or community control in a material respect, any law enforcement officer who is aware of the probationary or community control status of the probationer or offender in community control or any probation officer may arrest or request any county or municipal law enforcement officer to arrest such probationer or offender without warrant wherever found and return him or her to the court granting such probation or community control.
(b) Any committing trial court judge may issue a warrant, upon the facts being made known to him or her by affidavit of one having knowledge of such facts, for the arrest of the probationer or offender, returnable forthwith before the court granting such probation or community control. In lieu of issuing a warrant for arrest, the committing trial court judge may issue a notice to appear if the probationer or offender in community control has never been convicted of committing, and is not currently alleged to have committed, a qualifying offense as defined in this section.
(c) If a probationer or offender on community control commits a technical violation, the probation officer shall determine whether the probationer or offender on community control is eligible for the alternative sanctioning program under subsection (9). If the probation officer determines that the probationer or offender on community control is eligible, the probation officer may proceed with the alternative sanctioning program in lieu of filing an affidavit of violation with the court. For purposes of this section, the term “technical violation” means an alleged violation of supervision that is not a new felony offense, misdemeanor offense, or criminal traffic offense.
(d) If a judge finds reasonable grounds to believe that a probationer or an offender has violated his or her probation or community control in a material respect by committing a new violation of law, the judge may issue a warrant for the arrest of the person.
(e)1. At a first appearance hearing for an offender who has been arrested for violating his or her probation or community control in a material respect by committing a new violation of law the court:
a. Shall inform the person of the violation.
b. May order the person to be taken before the court that granted the probation or community control if the person admits the violation.
2. If the probationer or offender does not admit the violation at the first appearance hearing, the court:
a. May commit the probationer or offender or may release the person with or without bail to await further hearing, notwithstanding s. 907.041, relating to pretrial detention and release; or
b. May order the probationer or offender to be brought before the court that granted the probation or community control.
3. In determining whether to require or set the amount of bail, and notwithstanding s. 907.041, relating to pretrial detention and release, the court may consider whether the probationer or offender is more likely than not to receive a prison sanction for the violation.
This paragraph does not apply to a probationer or offender on community control who is subject to the hearing requirements under subsection (4) or paragraph (8)(e).
(f) Any probation officer, any officer authorized to serve criminal process, or any peace officer of this state is authorized to serve and execute such warrant. Any probation officer is authorized to serve such notice to appear.
(g) Upon the filing of an affidavit alleging a violation of probation or community control and following issuance of a warrant for such violation, a warrantless arrest under this section, or a notice to appear under this section, the probationary period is tolled until the court enters a ruling on the violation. Notwithstanding the tolling of probation, the court shall retain jurisdiction over the offender for any violation of the conditions of probation or community control that is alleged to have occurred during the tolling period. The probation officer is permitted to continue to supervise any offender who remains available to the officer for supervision until the supervision expires pursuant to the order of probation or community control or until the court revokes or terminates the probation or community control, whichever comes first.
(h) The chief judge of each judicial circuit may direct the department to use a notification letter of a technical violation in appropriate cases in lieu of a violation report, affidavit, and warrant or a notice to appear when the alleged violation is not a new felony or misdemeanor offense. Such direction must be in writing and must specify the types of specific technical violations which are to be reported by a notification letter of a technical violation, any exceptions to those violations, and the required process for submission. At the direction of the chief judge, the department shall send the notification letter of a technical violation to the court.
(i) The court may allow the department to file an affidavit, notification letter, violation report, or other report under this section by facsimile or electronic submission.
(2)(a) The court, upon the probationer or offender being brought before it, shall advise him or her of such charge of violation and, if such charge is admitted to be true, may forthwith revoke, modify, or continue the probation or community control or place the probationer into a community control program.
(b) If probation or community control is revoked, the court shall adjudge the probationer or offender guilty of the offense charged and proven or admitted, unless he or she has previously been adjudged guilty, and impose any sentence which it might have originally imposed before placing the probationer on probation or the offender into community control.
(c) If such violation of probation or community control is not admitted by the probationer or offender, the court may commit him or her or release him or her with or without bail to await further hearing, or it may dismiss the charge of probation or community control violation.
(d) If such charge is not at that time admitted by the probationer or offender and if it is not dismissed, the court, as soon as may be practicable, shall give the probationer or offender an opportunity to be fully heard on his or her behalf in person or by counsel.
(e) After such hearing, the court may revoke, modify, or continue the probation or community control or place the probationer into community control. If such probation or community control is revoked, the court shall adjudge the probationer or offender guilty of the offense charged and proven or admitted, unless he or she has previously been adjudged guilty, and impose any sentence which it might have originally imposed before placing the probationer or offender on probation or into community control.
(f)1. Except as provided in subparagraph 3. or upon waiver by the probationer, the court shall modify or continue a probationary term upon finding a probationer in violation when any of the following applies:
a. The term of supervision is probation.
b. The probationer does not qualify as a violent felony offender of special concern, as defined in paragraph (8)(b).
c. The violation is a low-risk technical violation, as defined in paragraph (9)(b).
d. The court has not previously found the probationer in violation of his or her probation pursuant to a filed violation of probation affidavit during the current term of supervision. A probationer who has successfully completed sanctions through the alternative sanctioning program is eligible for mandatory modification or continuation of his or her probation.
2. Upon modifying probation under subparagraph 1., the court may include in the sentence a maximum of 90 days in county jail as a special condition of probation.
3. Notwithstanding s. 921.0024, if a probationer has less than 90 days of supervision remaining on his or her term of probation and meets the criteria for mandatory modification or continuation in subparagraph 1., the court may revoke probation and sentence the probationer to a maximum of 90 days in county jail.
4. For purposes of imposing a jail sentence under this paragraph only, the court may grant credit only for time served in the county jail since the probationer’s most recent arrest for the violation. However, the court may not order the probationer to a total term of incarceration greater than the maximum provided by s. 775.082.
(g) Notwithstanding s. 775.082, when a period of probation or community control has been tolled, upon revocation or modification of the probation or community control, the court may impose a sanction with a term that when combined with the amount of supervision served and tolled, exceeds the term permissible pursuant to s. 775.082 for a term up to the amount of the tolled period of supervision.
(h) If the court dismisses an affidavit alleging a violation of probation or community control, the offender’s probation or community control shall continue as previously imposed, and the offender shall receive credit for all tolled time against his or her term of probation or community control.
(i)1. For each case in which the offender admits to committing a violation or is found to have committed a violation, the department shall provide the court with a recommendation as to disposition by the court. The department shall provide the reasons for its recommendation and include an evaluation of:
a. The appropriateness or inappropriateness of community facilities, programs, or services for treating or supervising the offender;
b. The ability or inability of the department to provide an adequate level of supervision of the offender in the community and a statement of what constitutes an adequate level of supervision; and
c. The existence of treatment modalities that the offender could use but that do not currently exist in the community.
2. The report must also include a summary of the offender’s prior supervision history, including the offender’s prior participation in treatment, educational, and vocational programs, and any other actions by or circumstances concerning the offender which are relevant.
3. The court may specify whether the recommendation or report must be oral or written and may waive the requirement for a report in an individual case or a class of cases. This paragraph does not prohibit the department from making any other report or recommendation that is provided for by law or requested by the court.
(j)1. Notwithstanding s. 921.0024 and effective for offenses committed on or after July 1, 2009, the court may order the defendant to successfully complete a postadjudicatory treatment-based drug court program if:
a. The court finds or the offender admits that the offender has violated his or her community control or probation;
b. The offender’s Criminal Punishment Code scoresheet total sentence points under s. 921.0024 are 60 points or fewer after including points for the violation;
c. The underlying offense is a nonviolent felony. As used in this subsection, the term “nonviolent felony” means a third degree felony violation under chapter 810 or any other felony offense that is not a forcible felony as defined in s. 776.08;
d. The court determines that the offender is amenable to the services of a postadjudicatory treatment-based drug court program;
e. The court has explained the purpose of the program to the offender and the offender has agreed to participate; and
f. The offender is otherwise qualified to participate in the program under the provisions of s. 397.334(3).
2. After the court orders the modification of community control or probation, the original sentencing court shall relinquish jurisdiction of the offender’s case to the postadjudicatory treatment-based drug court program until the offender is no longer active in the program, the case is returned to the sentencing court due to the offender’s termination from the program for failure to comply with the terms thereof, or the offender’s sentence is completed.
(k)1. Notwithstanding s. 921.0024 and effective for offenses committed on or after July 1, 2016, the court may order the offender to successfully complete a postadjudicatory mental health court program under s. 394.47892 or a military veterans and servicemembers court program under s. 394.47891 if:
a. The court finds or the offender admits that the offender has violated his or her community control or probation;
b. The underlying offense is a nonviolent felony. As used in this subsection, the term “nonviolent felony” means a third degree felony violation under chapter 810 or any other felony offense that is not a forcible felony as defined in s. 776.08. Offenders charged with resisting an officer with violence under s. 843.01, battery on a law enforcement officer under s. 784.07, or aggravated assault may participate in the mental health court program if the court so orders after the victim is given his or her right to provide testimony or written statement to the court as provided in s. 921.143;
c. The court determines that the offender is amenable to the services of a postadjudicatory mental health court program, including taking prescribed medications, or a military veterans and servicemembers court program;
d. The court explains the purpose of the program to the offender and the offender agrees to participate; and
e. The offender is otherwise qualified to participate in a postadjudicatory mental health court program under s. 394.47892(4) or a military veterans and servicemembers court program under s. 394.47891.
2. After the court orders the modification of community control or probation, the original sentencing court shall relinquish jurisdiction of the offender’s case to the postadjudicatory mental health court program until the offender is no longer active in the program, the case is returned to the sentencing court due to the offender’s termination from the program for failure to comply with the terms thereof, or the offender’s sentence is completed.
(3) When the court imposes a subsequent term of supervision following a revocation of probation or community control, it shall not provide credit for time served while on probation or community control toward any subsequent term of probation or community control. However, the court may not impose a subsequent term of probation or community control which, when combined with any amount of time served on preceding terms of probation or community control for offenses before the court for sentencing, would exceed the maximum penalty allowable as provided by s. 775.082. No part of the time that the defendant is on probation or in community control shall be considered as any part of the time that he or she shall be sentenced to serve.
(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a felony probationer or an offender in community control who is arrested for violating his or her probation or community control in a material respect may be taken before the court in the county or circuit in which the probationer or offender was arrested. That court shall advise him or her of the charge of a violation and, if such charge is admitted, shall cause him or her to be brought before the court that granted the probation or community control. If the violation is not admitted by the probationer or offender, the court may commit him or her or release him or her with or without bail to await further hearing. However, if the probationer or offender is under supervision for any criminal offense proscribed in chapter 794, s. 800.04(4), (5), (6), s. 827.071, or s. 847.0145, or is a registered sexual predator or a registered sexual offender, or is under supervision for a criminal offense for which he or she would meet the registration criteria in s. 775.21, s. 943.0435, or s. 944.607 but for the effective date of those sections, the court must make a finding that the probationer or offender is not a danger to the public prior to release with or without bail. In determining the danger posed by the offender’s or probationer’s release, the court may consider the nature and circumstances of the violation and any new offenses charged; the offender’s or probationer’s past and present conduct, including convictions of crimes; any record of arrests without conviction for crimes involving violence or sexual crimes; any other evidence of allegations of unlawful sexual conduct or the use of violence by the offender or probationer; the offender’s or probationer’s family ties, length of residence in the community, employment history, and mental condition; his or her history and conduct during the probation or community control supervision from which the violation arises and any other previous supervisions, including disciplinary records of previous incarcerations; the likelihood that the offender or probationer will engage again in a criminal course of conduct; the weight of the evidence against the offender or probationer; and any other facts the court considers relevant. The court, as soon as is practicable, shall give the probationer or offender an opportunity to be fully heard on his or her behalf in person or by counsel. After the hearing, the court shall make findings of fact and forward the findings to the court that granted the probation or community control and to the probationer or offender or his or her attorney. The findings of fact by the hearing court are binding on the court that granted the probation or community control. Upon the probationer or offender being brought before it, the court that granted the probation or community control may revoke, modify, or continue the probation or community control or may place the probationer into community control as provided in this section. However, the probationer or offender shall not be released and shall not be admitted to bail, but shall be brought before the court that granted the probation or community control if any violation of felony probation or community control other than a failure to pay costs or fines or make restitution payments is alleged to have been committed by:
(a) A violent felony offender of special concern, as defined in this section;
(b) A person who is on felony probation or community control for any offense committed on or after the effective date of this act and who is arrested for a qualifying offense as defined in this section; or
(c) A person who is on felony probation or community control and has previously been found by a court to be a habitual violent felony offender as defined in s. 775.084(1)(b), a three-time violent felony offender as defined in s. 775.084(1)(c), or a sexual predator under s. 775.21, and who is arrested for committing a qualifying offense as defined in this section on or after the effective date of this act.
(5) In any hearing in which the failure of a probationer or offender in community control to pay restitution or the cost of supervision as provided in s. 948.09, as directed, is established by the state, if the probationer or offender asserts his or her inability to pay restitution or the cost of supervision, it is incumbent upon the probationer or offender to prove by clear and convincing evidence that he or she does not have the present resources available to pay restitution or the cost of supervision despite sufficient bona fide efforts legally to acquire the resources to do so. If the probationer or offender cannot pay restitution or the cost of supervision despite sufficient bona fide efforts, the court shall consider alternate measures of punishment other than imprisonment. Only if alternate measures are not adequate to meet the state’s interests in punishment and deterrence may the court imprison a probationer or offender in community control who has demonstrated sufficient bona fide efforts to pay restitution or the cost of supervision.
(6) Any parolee in a community control program who has allegedly violated the terms and conditions of such placement is subject to the provisions of ss. 947.22 and 947.23.
(7) Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, whenever probation, community control, or control release, including the probationary, community control portion of a split sentence, is violated and the probation or community control is revoked, the offender, by reason of his or her misconduct, shall be deemed to have forfeited all gain-time or commutation of time for good conduct, as provided by law, earned up to the date of his or her release on probation, community control, or control release. This subsection does not deprive the prisoner of his or her right to gain-time or commutation of time for good conduct, as provided by law, from the date on which the prisoner is returned to prison. However, if a prisoner is sentenced to incarceration following termination from a drug punishment program imposed as a condition of probation, the sentence may include incarceration without the possibility of gain-time or early release for the period of time remaining in his or her treatment program placement term.
(8)(a) In addition to complying with the provisions of subsections (1)-(7), this subsection provides further requirements regarding a probationer or offender in community control who is a violent felony offender of special concern. The provisions of this subsection shall control over any conflicting provisions in subsections (1)-(7). For purposes of this subsection, the term “convicted” means a determination of guilt which is the result of a trial or the entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld.
(b) For purposes of this section and ss. 903.0351, 948.064, and 921.0024, the term “violent felony offender of special concern” means a person who is on:
1. Felony probation or community control related to the commission of a qualifying offense committed on or after the effective date of this act;
2. Felony probation or community control for any offense committed on or after the effective date of this act, and has previously been convicted of a qualifying offense;
3. Felony probation or community control for any offense committed on or after the effective date of this act, and is found to have violated that probation or community control by committing a qualifying offense;
4. Felony probation or community control and has previously been found by a court to be a habitual violent felony offender as defined in s. 775.084(1)(b) and has committed a qualifying offense on or after the effective date of this act;
5. Felony probation or community control and has previously been found by a court to be a three-time violent felony offender as defined in s. 775.084(1)(c) and has committed a qualifying offense on or after the effective date of this act; or
6. Felony probation or community control and has previously been found by a court to be a sexual predator under s. 775.21 and has committed a qualifying offense on or after the effective date of this act.
(c) For purposes of this section, the term “qualifying offense” means any of the following:
1. Kidnapping or attempted kidnapping under s. 787.01, false imprisonment of a child under the age of 13 under s. 787.02(3), or luring or enticing a child under s. 787.025(2)(b) or (c).
2. Murder or attempted murder under s. 782.04, attempted felony murder under s. 782.051, or manslaughter under s. 782.07.
3. Aggravated battery or attempted aggravated battery under s. 784.045.
4. Sexual battery or attempted sexual battery under s. 794.011(2), (3), (4), or (8)(b) or (c).
5. Lewd or lascivious battery or attempted lewd or lascivious battery under s. 800.04(4), lewd or lascivious molestation under s. 800.04(5)(b) or (c)2., lewd or lascivious conduct under s. 800.04(6)(b), lewd or lascivious exhibition under s. 800.04(7)(b), or lewd or lascivious exhibition on computer under s. 847.0135(5)(b).
6. Robbery or attempted robbery under s. 812.13, carjacking or attempted carjacking under s. 812.133, or home invasion robbery or attempted home invasion robbery under s. 812.135.
7. Lewd or lascivious offense upon or in the presence of an elderly or disabled person or attempted lewd or lascivious offense upon or in the presence of an elderly or disabled person under s. 825.1025.
8. Sexual performance by a child or attempted sexual performance by a child under s. 827.071.
9. Computer pornography under s. 847.0135(2) or (3), transmission of child pornography under s. 847.0137, or selling or buying of minors under s. 847.0145.
10. Poisoning food or water under s. 859.01.
11. Abuse of a dead human body under s. 872.06.
12. Any burglary offense or attempted burglary offense that is either a first degree felony or second degree felony under s. 810.02(2) or (3).
13. Arson or attempted arson under s. 806.01(1).
14. Aggravated assault under s. 784.021.
15. Aggravated stalking under s. 784.048(3), (4), (5), or (7).
16. Aircraft piracy under s. 860.16.
17. Unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb under s. 790.161(2), (3), or (4).
18. Treason under s. 876.32.
19. Any offense committed in another jurisdiction which would be an offense listed in this paragraph if that offense had been committed in this state.
(d) In the case of an alleged violation of probation or community control other than a failure to pay costs, fines, or restitution, the following individuals shall remain in custody pending the resolution of the probation or community control violation:
1. A violent felony offender of special concern, as defined in this section;
2. A person who is on felony probation or community control for any offense committed on or after the effective date of this act and who is arrested for a qualifying offense as defined in this section; or
3. A person who is on felony probation or community control and has previously been found by a court to be a habitual violent felony offender as defined in s. 775.084(1)(b), a three-time violent felony offender as defined in s. 775.084(1)(c), or a sexual predator under s. 775.21, and who is arrested for committing a qualifying offense as defined in this section on or after the effective date of this act.
The court shall not dismiss the probation or community control violation warrant pending against an offender enumerated in this paragraph without holding a recorded violation-of-probation hearing at which both the state and the offender are represented.
(e) If the court, after conducting the hearing required by paragraph (d), determines that a violent felony offender of special concern has committed a violation of probation or community control other than a failure to pay costs, fines, or restitution, the court shall:
1. Make written findings as to whether or not the violent felony offender of special concern poses a danger to the community. In determining the danger to the community posed by the offender’s release, the court shall base its findings on one or more of the following:
a. The nature and circumstances of the violation and any new offenses charged.
b. The offender’s present conduct, including criminal convictions.
c. The offender’s amenability to nonincarcerative sanctions based on his or her history and conduct during the probation or community control supervision from which the violation hearing arises and any other previous supervisions, including disciplinary records of previous incarcerations.
d. The weight of the evidence against the offender.
e. Any other facts the court considers relevant.
2. Decide whether to revoke the probation or community control.
a. If the court has found that a violent felony offender of special concern poses a danger to the community, the court shall revoke probation and shall sentence the offender up to the statutory maximum, or longer if permitted by law.
b. If the court has found that a violent felony offender of special concern does not pose a danger to the community, the court may revoke, modify, or continue the probation or community control or may place the probationer into community control as provided in this section.
(9)(a) Each judicial circuit shall establish an alternative sanctioning program as provided in this subsection. The chief judge of each judicial circuit may, by administrative order, define additional sanctions or eligibility criteria and specify the process for reporting technical violations through the alternative sanctioning program. Any sanctions recommended for imposition through an alternative sanctions program must be submitted to the court by the probation officer for approval before imposing the sanction.
(b) As used in this subsection, the term “low-risk violation,” when committed by a probationer, means any of the following:
1. A positive drug or alcohol test result.
2. Failure to report to the probation office.
3. Failure to report a change in address or other required information.
4. Failure to attend a required class, treatment or counseling session, or meeting.
5. Failure to submit to a drug or alcohol test.
6. A violation of curfew.
7. Failure to meet a monthly quota on any required probation condition, including, but not limited to, making restitution payments, paying court costs, or completing community service hours.
8. Leaving the county without permission.
9. Failure to report a change in employment.
10. Associating with a person engaged in criminal activity.
11. Any other violation as determined by administrative order of the chief judge of the circuit.
(c) As used in this subsection, the term “moderate-risk violation” means any of the following:
1. A violation identified in paragraph (b), when committed by an offender on community control.
2. Failure to remain at an approved residence by an offender on community control.
3. A third violation identified in paragraph (b) by a probationer within the current term of supervision.
4. Any other violation as determined by administrative order of the chief judge of the circuit.
(d) A probationer or offender on community control is not eligible for an alternative sanction if:
1. He or she is a violent felony offender of special concern as defined in paragraph (8)(b);
2. The violation is a felony, misdemeanor, or criminal traffic offense;
3. The violation is absconding;
4. The violation is of a stay-away order or no-contact order;
5. The violation is not identified as low-risk or moderate-risk under this subsection or by administrative order;
6. He or she has a prior moderate-risk level violation during the current term of supervision;
7. He or she has three prior low-risk level violations during the same term of supervision;
8. The term of supervision is scheduled to terminate in less than 90 days; or
9. The terms of the sentence prohibit alternative sanctioning.
(e) For a first or second low-risk violation, as defined in paragraph (b), within the current term of supervision, a probation officer may offer an eligible probationer one or more of the following as an alternative sanction:
1. Up to 5 days in the county jail.
2. Up to 50 additional community service hours.
3. Counseling or treatment.
4. Support group attendance.
5. Drug testing.
6. Loss of travel or other privileges.
7. Curfew for up to 30 days.
8. House arrest for up to 30 days.
9.a. Any other sanction as determined by administrative order of the chief judge of the circuit.
b. However, in no circumstance shall participation in an alternative sanctioning program convert a withheld adjudication to an adjudication of guilt.
(f) For a first moderate-risk violation, as defined in paragraph (c), within the current term of supervision, a probation officer, with a supervisor’s approval, may offer an eligible probationer or offender on community control one or more of the following as an alternative sanction:
1. Up to 21 days in the county jail.
2. Curfew for up to 90 days.
3. House arrest for up to 90 days.
4. Electronic monitoring for up to 90 days.
5. Residential treatment for up to 90 days.
6. Any other sanction available for a low-risk violation.
7.a. Any other sanction as determined by administrative order of the chief judge of the circuit.
b. However, in no circumstance shall participation in an alternative sanctioning program convert a withheld adjudication to an adjudication of guilt.
(g) The participation of a probationer or an offender on community control in the program is voluntary. The probationer or offender on community control may waive or discontinue participation in the program at any time before the court imposes a recommended sanction.
(h)1. If a probationer or offender on community control is eligible for the alternative sanctioning program under this subsection, he or she may:
a. Waive participation in the program, in which case the probation officer may submit a violation report, affidavit, and warrant to the court; or
b. Elect to participate in the program after receiving written notice of an alleged technical violation and disclosure of the evidence against him or her, and admit the technical violation, agree to comply with the probation officer’s recommended sanction if subsequently ordered by the court, and agree to waive the right to:
(I) Be represented by legal counsel.
(II) Require the state to prove his or her guilt before a neutral and detached hearing body.
(III) Subpoena witnesses and present to a judge evidence in his or her defense.
(IV) Confront and cross-examine adverse witnesses.
(V) Receive a written statement from a judge as to the evidence relied on and the reasons for the sanction imposed.
2. If the probationer or offender on community control admits to committing the technical violation and agrees with the probation officer’s recommended sanction, the probation officer must, before imposing the sanction, submit the recommended sanction to the court with documentation reflecting the probationer’s admission to the technical violation and agreement with the recommended sanction.
(i) The court may impose the recommended sanction or direct the department to submit a violation report, affidavit, and warrant to the court.
(j) If a probationer or offender on community control waives or discontinues participation in the program or fails to successfully complete all alternative sanctions within 90 days after imposition or within the timeframe specified in the agreed-upon sanction, the probation officer may submit a violation report, affidavit, and warrant to the court. A prior admission by the probationer or offender on community control to a technical violation may not be used as evidence in subsequent proceedings.
History.—s. 26, ch. 20519, 1941; s. 2, ch. 59-130; s. 2, ch. 61-498; s. 1, ch. 69-71; s. 20, ch. 83-131; ss. 2, 3, ch. 84-337; ss. 8, 9, 38, 48, ch. 89-526; s. 13, ch. 89-531; s. 11, ch. 90-287; s. 2, ch. 91-225; s. 8, ch. 91-280; s. 23, ch. 97-78; s. 1687, ch. 97-102; s. 5, ch. 97-239; s. 13, ch. 97-299; s. 3, ch. 2000-246; s. 1, ch. 2001-109; s. 50, ch. 2004-11; ss. 27, 28, 41, ch. 2004-373; s. 13, ch. 2005-28; s. 3, ch. 2007-2; s. 5, ch. 2007-210; s. 29, ch. 2008-172; s. 4, ch. 2009-64; s. 4, ch. 2011-33; s. 2, ch. 2011-38; s. 56, ch. 2016-24; s. 1, ch. 2016-100; s. 22, ch. 2016-104; s. 16, ch. 2016-127; s. 29, ch. 2017-37; s. 14, ch. 2017-107; s. 9, ch. 2017-115; ss. 63, 92, ch. 2019-167.
948.061 Identifying, assessing, and monitoring high-risk sex offenders on community supervision; providing cumulative criminal and supervision histories on the Internet.—
(1) By December 1, 2005, the department shall develop a graduated risk assessment that identifies, assesses, and closely monitors a high-risk sex offender who is placed on probation or in community control and who:
(a) Has previously been placed on probation or in community control and has a history of committing multiple violations of community supervision in this state or in any other jurisdiction or has previously been incarcerated in this state or in any other jurisdiction; and
(b) Has experienced more than one of the following risk factors that could potentially make the offender more likely to pose a danger to others:
1. Previous conviction for domestic violence;
2. History of substance abuse;
3. Unemployment or substantial financial difficulties;
4. Previous conviction for violence or sex acts against children, particularly involving strangers; or
5. Any other risk factor identified by the department.
(2) To facilitate the information available to the court at first appearance hearings and at all subsequent hearings for these high-risk sex offenders, the department shall, no later than March 1, 2006, post on FDLE’s Criminal Justice Intranet a cumulative chronology of the sex offender’s prior terms of state probation and community control, including all substantive or technical violations of state probation or community control. The county jail in the county where the arrested person is booked shall ensure that state and national criminal history information and all criminal justice information available in the Florida Crime Information Center and the National Crime Information Center, is provided to the court at the time of the first appearance. The courts shall assist the department’s dissemination of critical information by creating and maintaining an automated system to provide the information as specified in this subsection and by providing the necessary technology in the courtroom to deliver the information.
(3) In monitoring the location of high-risk sex offenders, the department shall, no later than October 1, 2006, have fingerprint-reading equipment and capability that will immediately identify the probationer or community controllee when he or she reports to his or her designated probation officer and alert department probation officials when probationers and community controllees are subsequently rearrested.
History.—s. 15, ch. 2005-28; s. 117, ch. 2006-1.
948.062 Reviewing and reporting serious offenses committed by offenders placed on probation or community control.—The department shall review the circumstances related to an offender placed on probation or community control who has been arrested while on supervision for the following offenses:
(1) Any murder as provided in s. 782.04;
(2) Any sexual battery as provided in s. 794.011 or s. 794.023;
(3) Any sexual performance by a child as provided in s. 827.071;
(4) Any kidnapping, false imprisonment, or luring of a child as provided in s. 787.01, s. 787.02, or s. 787.025;
(5) Any lewd and lascivious battery or lewd and lascivious molestation as provided in s. 800.04(4) or (5);
(6) Any aggravated child abuse as provided in s. 827.03(2)(a);
(7) Any robbery with a firearm or other deadly weapon, home invasion robbery, or carjacking as provided in s. 812.13(2)(a), s. 812.135, or s. 812.133;
(8) Any aggravated stalking as provided in s. 784.048(3), (4), or (5);
(9) Any forcible felony as provided in s. 776.08, committed by a person on probation or community control who is designated as a sexual predator; or
(10) Any DUI manslaughter as provided in s. 316.193(3)(c), or vehicular or vessel homicide as provided in s. 782.071 or s. 782.072, committed by a person who is on probation or community control for an offense involving death or injury resulting from a driving incident.
History.—s. 16, ch. 2005-28; s. 118, ch. 2006-1; s. 14, ch. 2012-155; s. 22, ch. 2016-24; s. 30, ch. 2017-37; s. 15, ch. 2017-107; s. 93, ch. 2019-167; s. 170, ch. 2020-2.
948.063 Violations of probation or community control by designated sexual offenders and sexual predators.—
(1) If probation or community control for any felony offense is revoked by the court pursuant to s. 948.06(2)(e) and the offender is designated as a sexual offender pursuant to s. 943.0435 or s. 944.607 or as a sexual predator pursuant to s. 775.21 for unlawful sexual activity involving a victim 15 years of age or younger and the offender is 18 years of age or older, and if the court imposes a subsequent term of supervision following the revocation of probation or community control, the court must order electronic monitoring as a condition of the subsequent term of probation or community control.
(2) If the probationer or offender is required to register as a sexual predator under s. 775.21 or as a sexual offender under s. 943.0435 or s. 944.607 for unlawful sexual activity involving a victim 15 years of age or younger and the probationer or offender is 18 years of age or older and has violated the conditions of his or her probation or community control, but the court does not revoke the probation or community control, the court shall nevertheless modify the probation or community control to include electronic monitoring for any probationer or offender not then subject to electronic monitoring.
History.—s. 17, ch. 2005-28; s. 2, ch. 2006-235; s. 57, ch. 2016-24; s. 23, ch. 2016-104.
948.064 Notification of status as a violent felony offender of special concern.—
(1) To facilitate the information available to the court at first appearance hearings and at all subsequent hearings for “violent felony offenders of special concern,” as defined in s. 948.06, the Department of Corrections shall, no later than October 1, 2007, develop a system for identifying the offenders in the department’s database and post on the Department of Law Enforcement’s Criminal Justice Intranet a listing of all “violent felony offenders of special concern” who are under community supervision.
(2) The county where the arrested person is booked shall provide the following information to the court at the time of the first appearance:
(a) State and national criminal history information;
(b) All criminal justice information available in the Florida Crime Information Center and the National Crime Information Center; and
(c) Notice that the arrested person meets the requirement for restrictions on pretrial release pending the probation-violation hearing or community-control-violation hearing in s. 903.0351(1)(b).
(3) The courts shall assist the department’s dissemination of critical information by creating and maintaining an automated system to provide the information as specified in this section to the court with the jurisdiction to conduct the hearings.
(4) The state attorney, or the statewide prosecutor if applicable, shall advise the court at each critical stage in the judicial process, at which the state attorney or statewide prosecutor is represented, whether an alleged or convicted offender is a violent felony offender of special concern; a person who is on felony probation or community control for any offense committed on or after the effective date of this act and who is arrested for a qualifying offense; or a person who is on felony probation or community control and has previously been found by a court to be a habitual violent felony offender as defined in s. 775.084(1)(b), a three-time violent felony offender as defined in s. 775.084(1)(c), or a sexual predator under s. 775.21, and who is arrested for committing a qualifying offense on or after the effective date of this act.
History.—s. 4, ch. 2007-2; s. 58, ch. 2016-24.
948.08 Pretrial intervention program.—
(1) The department shall supervise pretrial intervention programs for persons charged with a crime, before or after any information has been filed or an indictment has been returned in the circuit court. Such programs shall provide appropriate counseling, education, supervision, and medical and psychological treatment as available and when appropriate for the persons released to such programs.
(2) Any first offender, or any person previously convicted of not more than one nonviolent misdemeanor, who is charged with any misdemeanor or felony of the third degree is eligible for release to the pretrial intervention program on the approval of the administrator of the program and the consent of the victim, the state attorney, and the judge who presided at the initial appearance hearing of the offender. However, the defendant may not be released to the pretrial intervention program unless, after consultation with his or her attorney, he or she has voluntarily agreed to such program and has knowingly and intelligently waived his or her right to a speedy trial for the period of his or her diversion. The defendant or the defendant’s immediate family may not personally contact the victim or the victim’s immediate family to acquire the victim’s consent under this section.
(3) The criminal charges against an offender admitted to the program shall be continued without final disposition for a period of 90 days after the date the offender was released to the program, if the offender’s participation in the program is satisfactory, and for an additional 90 days upon the request of the program administrator and consent of the state attorney, if the offender’s participation in the program is satisfactory.
(4) Resumption of pending criminal proceedings shall be undertaken at any time if the program administrator or state attorney finds that the offender is not fulfilling his or her obligations under this plan or if the public interest so requires. The court may not appoint the public defender to represent an indigent offender released to the pretrial intervention program unless the offender’s release is revoked and the offender is subject to imprisonment if convicted.
(5) At the end of the intervention period, the administrator shall recommend:
(a) That the case revert to normal channels for prosecution in instances in which the offender’s participation in the program has been unsatisfactory;
(b) That the offender is in need of further supervision; or
(c) That dismissal of charges without prejudice shall be entered in instances in which prosecution is not deemed necessary.
The state attorney shall make the final determination as to whether the prosecution shall continue.
(6)(a) For purposes of this subsection, the term “nonviolent felony” means a third degree felony violation of chapter 810 or any other felony offense that is not a forcible felony as defined in s. 776.08.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this section, a person is eligible for voluntary admission into a pretrial substance abuse education and treatment intervention program, including a treatment-based drug court program established pursuant to s. 397.334, approved by the chief judge of the circuit, for a period of not less than 1 year in duration, if he or she:
1. Is identified as having a substance abuse problem and is amenable to treatment.
2. Is charged with a nonviolent felony.
3. Has never been charged with a crime involving violence, including, but not limited to, murder, sexual battery, robbery, carjacking, home-invasion robbery, or any other crime involving violence.
4. Has two or fewer felony convictions, provided that the prior convictions are for nonviolent felonies.
(c) Upon motion of either party or the court’s own motion, and with the agreement of the defendant, the court shall admit an eligible person into a pretrial substance abuse education and treatment intervention program, except:
1. If a defendant was previously offered admission to a pretrial substance abuse education and treatment intervention program at any time before trial and the defendant rejected that offer on the record, the court or the state attorney may deny the defendant’s admission to such a program.
2. If the state attorney believes that the facts and circumstances of the case suggest the defendant’s involvement in the dealing and selling of controlled substances, the court shall hold a preadmission hearing. If the state attorney establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence at such hearing, that the defendant was involved in the dealing or selling of controlled substances, the court shall deny the defendant’s admission into a pretrial intervention program.
3. If the defendant has two or fewer prior felony convictions as provided in subparagraph (b)4., the court, in its discretion, may deny admission to such a program.
(d) While enrolled in a pretrial intervention program authorized by this subsection, the participant is subject to a coordinated strategy developed by a drug court team under s. 397.334(4). The coordinated strategy may include a protocol of sanctions that may be imposed upon the participant for noncompliance with program rules. The protocol of sanctions may include, but is not limited to, placement in a substance abuse treatment program offered by a licensed service provider as defined in s. 397.311 or in a jail-based treatment program or serving a period of incarceration within the time limits established for contempt of court. The coordinated strategy must be provided in writing to the participant before the participant agrees to enter into a pretrial treatment-based drug court program or other pretrial intervention program. Any person whose charges are dismissed after successful completion of the treatment-based drug court program, if otherwise eligible, may have his or her arrest record and plea of nolo contendere to the dismissed charges expunged under s. 943.0585.
(e) At the end of the pretrial intervention period, the court shall consider the recommendation of the administrator pursuant to subsection (5) and the recommendation of the state attorney as to disposition of the pending charges. The court shall determine, by written finding, whether the defendant has successfully completed the pretrial intervention program. Notwithstanding the coordinated strategy developed by a drug court team pursuant to s. 397.334(4), if the court finds that the defendant has not successfully completed the pretrial intervention program, the court may order the person to continue in education and treatment, which may include substance abuse treatment programs offered by licensed service providers as defined in s. 397.311 or jail-based treatment programs, or order that the charges revert to normal channels for prosecution. The court shall dismiss the charges upon a finding that the defendant has successfully completed the pretrial intervention program.
(f) Any entity, whether public or private, providing a pretrial substance abuse education and treatment intervention program under this subsection must contract with the county or appropriate governmental entity, and the terms of the contract must include, but need not be limited to, the requirements established for private entities under s. 948.15(3).
(7)(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this section, a person who is charged with a felony, other than a felony listed in s. 948.06(8)(c), and identified as a veteran, as defined in s. 1.01; a veteran who is discharged or released under any condition; a servicemember, as defined in s. 250.01; an individual who is a current or former United States Department of Defense contractor; or an individual who is a current or former military member of a foreign allied country, who suffers from a military service-related mental illness, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse disorder, or psychological problem is eligible for voluntary admission into a pretrial veterans’ treatment intervention program approved by the chief judge of the circuit, upon motion of either party or the court’s own motion, except:
1. If a defendant was previously offered admission to a pretrial veterans’ treatment intervention program at any time before trial and the defendant rejected that offer on the record, the court may deny the defendant’s admission to such a program.
2. If a defendant previously entered a court-ordered veterans’ treatment program, the court may deny the defendant’s admission into the pretrial veterans’ treatment program.
(b) While enrolled in a pretrial intervention program authorized by this subsection, the participant shall be subject to a coordinated strategy developed by a veterans’ treatment intervention team. The coordinated strategy should be modeled after the therapeutic jurisprudence principles and key components in s. 397.334(4), with treatment specific to the needs of servicemembers and veterans. The coordinated strategy may include a protocol of sanctions that may be imposed upon the participant for noncompliance with program rules. The protocol of sanctions may include, but need not be limited to, placement in a treatment program offered by a licensed service provider or in a jail-based treatment program or serving a period of incarceration within the time limits established for contempt of court. The coordinated strategy must be provided in writing to the participant before the participant agrees to enter into a pretrial veterans’ treatment intervention program or other pretrial intervention program. Any person whose charges are dismissed after successful completion of the pretrial veterans’ treatment intervention program, if otherwise eligible, may have his or her arrest record of the dismissed charges expunged under s. 943.0585.
(c) At the end of the pretrial intervention period, the court shall consider the recommendation of the treatment program and the recommendation of the state attorney as to disposition of the pending charges. The court shall determine, by written finding, whether the defendant has successfully completed the pretrial intervention program. If the court finds that the defendant has not successfully completed the pretrial intervention program, the court may order the person to continue in education and treatment, which may include treatment programs offered by licensed service providers or jail-based treatment programs, or order that the charges revert to normal channels for prosecution. The court shall dismiss the charges upon a finding that the defendant has successfully completed the pretrial intervention program.
(8)(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this section, a defendant is eligible for voluntary admission into a pretrial mental health court program established pursuant to s. 394.47892 and approved by the chief judge of the circuit for a period to be determined by the court, based on the clinical needs of the defendant, upon motion of either party or the court’s own motion if:
1. The defendant is identified as having a mental illness;
2. The defendant has not been convicted of a felony; and
3. The defendant is charged with:
a. A nonviolent felony that includes a third degree felony violation of chapter 810 or any other felony offense that is not a forcible felony as defined in s. 776.08;
b. Resisting an officer with violence under s. 843.01, if the law enforcement officer and state attorney consent to the defendant’s participation;
c. Battery on a law enforcement officer under s. 784.07, if the law enforcement officer and state attorney consent to the defendant’s participation; or
d. Aggravated assault, if the victim and state attorney consent to the defendant’s participation.
(b) At the end of the pretrial intervention period, the court shall consider the recommendation of the program administrator and the recommendation of the state attorney as to disposition of the pending charges. The court shall determine, by written finding, whether the defendant has successfully completed the pretrial intervention program. If the court finds that the defendant has not successfully completed the pretrial intervention program, the court may order the person to continue in education and treatment, which may include a mental health program offered by a licensed service provider, as defined in s. 394.455, or order that the charges revert to normal channels for prosecution. The court shall dismiss the charges upon a finding that the defendant has successfully completed the pretrial intervention program.
(9) The department may contract for the services and facilities necessary to operate pretrial intervention programs.
History.—s. 6, ch. 74-112; s. 1, ch. 75-301; s. 24, ch. 77-120; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 36, ch. 79-3; s. 1, ch. 80-329; s. 9, ch. 91-225; s. 6, ch. 91-280; s. 1, ch. 93-229; ss. 1688, 1689, ch. 97-102; s. 13, ch. 97-107; s. 123, ch. 99-3; s. 1, ch. 99-152; s. 3, ch. 2001-48; s. 16, ch. 2001-110; s. 6, ch. 2002-297; s. 8, ch. 2006-97; s. 5, ch. 2009-64; s. 18, ch. 2012-159; s. 114, ch. 2013-15; s. 17, ch. 2016-127; s. 2, ch. 2019-61; s. 64, ch. 2019-167.
Note.—Former s. 944.025.
948.081 Community court programs.—
(1) Each judicial circuit may establish a community court program for defendants charged with certain misdemeanor offenses. Each community court shall, at a minimum:
(a) Adopt a nonadversarial approach.
(b) Establish an advisory committee to recommend solutions and sanctions in each case.
(c) Provide for judicial leadership and interaction.
(d) In each particular case, consider the needs of the victim, consider individualized treatment services for the defendant, and monitor the defendant’s compliance.
(2) The chief judge of the judicial circuit, by administrative order, shall specify each misdemeanor offense eligible for the community court program. In making such determination, the chief judge shall consider the particular needs and concerns of the communities within the judicial circuit.
(3) A defendant’s entry into any community court program must be voluntary.
(4) The chief judge shall appoint a community court resource coordinator, who shall:
(a) Coordinate the responsibilities of the participating agencies and service providers.
(b) Provide case management services.
(c) Monitor compliance by defendants with court requirements.
(d) Manage the collection of data for program evaluation and accountability.
(5) The chief judge of the judicial circuit shall appoint members to an advisory committee for each community court. The members of the advisory committee must include, at a minimum:
(a) The chief judge or a community court judge designated by the chief judge, who shall serve as chair.
(b) The state attorney or his or her designee.
(c) The public defender or his or her designee.
(d) The community court resource coordinator.
The committee may also include community stakeholders, treatment representatives, and other persons the chair deems appropriate.
(6) The advisory committee shall review each defendant’s case. Each committee member may make recommendations to the judge, including appropriate sanctions and treatment solutions for the defendant. The judge shall consider such recommendations and make the final decision concerning sanctions and treatment with respect to each defendant.
(7) Each judicial circuit shall report client-level and programmatic data to the Office of the State Courts Administrator annually for program evaluation. Client-level data include primary offenses resulting in the community court referral or sentence, treatment compliance, completion status, reasons for failing to complete the program, offenses committed during treatment and sanctions imposed, frequency of court appearances, and units of service. Programmatic data include referral and screening procedures, eligibility criteria, type and duration of treatment offered, and residential treatment resources.
(8) The Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Health, the Department of Law Enforcement, the Department of Education, law enforcement agencies, and other governmental entities involved in the criminal justice system shall support such community court programs.
(9) Community court program funding must be secured from sources other than the state for costs not assumed by the state under s. 29.004. However, this subsection does not preclude the use of funds provided for treatment and other services through state executive branch agencies.
History.—s. 65, ch. 2019-167.
948.09 Payment for cost of supervision and other monetary obligations.—
(1)(a)1. Any person ordered by the court, the Department of Corrections, or the Florida Commission on Offender Review to be placed under supervision under this chapter, chapter 944, chapter 945, chapter 947, or chapter 958, or in a pretrial intervention program, must, as a condition of any placement, pay the department a total sum of money equal to the total month or portion of a month of supervision times the court-ordered amount, but not to exceed the actual per diem cost of the supervision. The department shall adopt rules by which an offender who pays in full and in advance of regular termination of supervision may receive a reduction in the amount due. The rules shall incorporate provisions by which the offender’s ability to pay is linked to an established written payment plan. Funds collected from felony offenders may be used to offset costs of the Department of Corrections associated with community supervision programs, subject to appropriation by the Legislature.
2. In addition to any other contribution or surcharge imposed by this section, each felony offender assessed under this paragraph shall pay a $2-per-month surcharge to the department. The surcharge shall be deemed to be paid only after the full amount of any monthly payment required by the established written payment plan has been collected by the department. These funds shall be used by the department to pay for correctional probation officers’ training and equipment, including radios, and firearms training, firearms, and attendant equipment necessary to train and equip officers who choose to carry a concealed firearm while on duty. This subparagraph does not limit the department’s authority to determine who shall be authorized to carry a concealed firearm while on duty, or limit the right of a correctional probation officer to carry a personal firearm approved by the department.
(b) Any person placed on misdemeanor probation by a county court must contribute not less than $40 per month, as decided by the sentencing court, to the court-approved public or private entity providing misdemeanor supervision.
(2) Any person being electronically monitored by the department as a result of being placed on supervision shall pay the department for electronic monitoring services at a rate that may not exceed the full cost of the monitoring service in addition to the cost of supervision as directed by the sentencing court. The funds collected under this subsection shall be deposited in the General Revenue Fund. The department may exempt a person from paying all or any part of the costs of the electronic monitoring service if it finds that any of the factors listed in subsection (3) exist.
(3) Any failure to pay contribution as required under this section may constitute a ground for the revocation of supervision by the court or by the Florida Commission on Offender Review, the revocation of control release by the Control Release Authority, or the removal from the pretrial intervention program by the state attorney. The Department of Corrections may exempt a person from the payment of all or any part of the contribution if it finds any of the following factors:
(a) The offender has diligently attempted, but has been unable, to obtain or maintain employment that provides him or her sufficient income to make such payments.
(b) The offender is a student in a school, college, university, or course of career training designed to fit the student for gainful employment. Certification of such student status shall be supplied to the offender’s probation officer by the educational institution in which the offender is enrolled.
(c) The offender has an employment handicap, as determined by a physical, psychological, or psychiatric examination.
(d) The offender’s age prevents him or her from obtaining employment.
(e) The offender is responsible for the support of dependents, and the payment of such contribution constitutes an undue hardship on the offender.
(f) The offender has been transferred outside the state under an interstate compact adopted pursuant to chapter 949.
(4) As a condition of an interstate compact adopted pursuant to chapter 949, the department shall require each out-of-state probationer or parolee transferred to this state to contribute not less than $30 or more than the cost of supervision, certified by the Department of Corrections, per month to defray the cost incurred by this state as a result of providing supervision and rehabilitation during the period of supervision.
(5) In addition to any other required contributions, the department, at its discretion, may require offenders under any form of supervision to submit to and pay for urinalysis testing to identify drug usage as part of the rehabilitation program. Any failure to make such payment, or participate, may be considered a ground for revocation by the court, the Florida Commission on Offender Review, or the Control Release Authority, or for removal from the pretrial intervention program by the state attorney. The department may exempt a person from such payment if it determines that any of the factors specified in subsection (3) exist.
(6) The department shall establish a payment plan for all costs ordered by the courts for collection by the department and a priority order for payments, except that victim restitution payments authorized under s. 948.03(1)(f) take precedence over all other court-ordered payments. The department is not required to disburse cumulative amounts of less than $10 to individual payees established on this payment plan.
History.—s. 18, ch. 74-112; s. 2, ch. 76-238; s. 1, ch. 77-321; s. 1, ch. 77-428; s. 1, ch. 78-368; s. 100, ch. 79-3; s. 1, ch. 84-337; s. 10, ch. 85-340; ss. 58, 73, ch. 88-122; s. 7, ch. 89-526; s. 6, ch. 90-337; s. 1, ch. 91-225; s. 7, ch. 91-280; s. 2, ch. 92-298; s. 4, ch. 94-265; s. 1, ch. 94-290; s. 41, ch. 95-283; s. 51, ch. 96-312; s. 1878, ch. 97-102; s. 8, ch. 98-388; s. 16, ch. 2001-242; s. 5, ch. 2004-251; s. 65, ch. 2004-357; s. 29, ch. 2004-373; s. 150, ch. 2005-2; s. 11, ch. 2009-63; s. 19, ch. 2010-64; s. 50, ch. 2014-191; s. 10, ch. 2017-115.
Note.—Former s. 945.30.
948.10 Community control programs; home confinement.—
(1) The Department of Corrections shall develop and administer a community control program. This program shall be rigidly structured and designed to accommodate offenders who, in the absence of such a program, would have been incarcerated in a jail or prison. The program shall focus on the provision of home confinement subject to an authorized level of limited freedom and special conditions that are commensurate with the seriousness of the crime. The program shall offer the courts and the Florida Commission on Offender Review an alternative, community-based method to punish an offender in lieu of incarceration and shall provide intensive supervision to closely monitor compliance with restrictions and special conditions, including, but not limited to, treatment or rehabilitative programs. The targeted population for this community control program includes:
(a) Probation violators charged with technical violations or new violations of law.
(b) Parole or conditional release violators charged with technical violations or new violations of law.
(c) Individuals found guilty of felonies who, due to their criminal backgrounds or the seriousness of the offenses, would not be placed on regular probation.
(2) Caseloads should be restricted to a maximum of 30 cases per officer in order to ensure an adequate level of staffing. Community control is an individualized program in which the offender is restricted to a residential treatment facility or a nursing facility or restricted to his or her approved residence subject to an authorized level of limited freedom.
(3) Procedures governing violations of community control are the same as those described in s. 948.06 with respect to probation.
(4) Upon completion of the sanctions imposed and before the expiration of the community control term ordered by the court, the department may petition the court to terminate early the supervision of the offender from community control supervision or to return the offender to a program of regular probation supervision for the remainder of the term. In considering the petition, the court should recognize the limited staff resources committed to the community control program, the purpose of the program, and the offender’s successful compliance with the conditions set forth in the order of the court.
History.—ss. 12, 13, 21, ch. 83-131; s. 77, ch. 85-62; s. 4, ch. 87-211; ss. 62, 69, ch. 88-122; s. 18, ch. 90-337; s. 15, ch. 91-225; ss. 1, 16, ch. 91-280; s. 14, ch. 93-227; s. 1690, ch. 97-102; s. 6, ch. 97-239; s. 6, ch. 2001-209; s. 3, ch. 2003-142; ss. 3, 6, 7, 30, ch. 2004-373; s. 7, ch. 2007-2; s. 6, ch. 2008-250; s. 51, ch. 2014-191; s. 11, ch. 2017-115; s. 136, ch. 2019-167.
Note.—Subsection (2) former s. 948.01(10); subsection (9) former s. 948.01(9); subsection (10) former s. 948.01(5).
948.101 Terms and conditions of community control.—
(1) The court shall determine the terms and conditions of community control. Conditions specified in this subsection do not require oral pronouncement at the time of sentencing and may be considered standard conditions of community control. The court shall require intensive supervision and surveillance for an offender placed into community control, which may include, but is not limited to:
(a) Specified contact with the parole and probation officer.
(b) Confinement to an agreed-upon residence during hours away from employment and public service activities.
(c) Mandatory public service.
(d) Supervision by the Department of Corrections by means of an electronic monitoring device or system.
(e) The standard conditions of probation set forth in s. 948.03.
(2) The enumeration of specific kinds of terms and conditions does not prevent the court from adding any other terms or conditions that the court considers proper. However, the sentencing court may only impose a condition of supervision allowing an offender convicted of s. 794.011, s. 800.04, s. 827.071, s. 847.0135(5), or s. 847.0145 to reside in another state if the order stipulates that it is contingent upon the approval of the receiving state interstate compact authority. The court may rescind or modify at any time the terms and conditions theretofore imposed by it upon the offender in community control. However, if the court withholds adjudication of guilt or imposes a period of incarceration as a condition of community control, the period may not exceed 364 days, and incarceration shall be restricted to a county facility, a probation and restitution center under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections, or a residential treatment facility owned or operated by any entity providing such services.
History.—s. 16, ch. 83-131; s. 5, ch. 87-211; s. 37, ch. 89-526; s. 4, ch. 91-280; ss. 14, 15, ch. 93-227; s. 17, ch. 96-322; ss. 11, 15, ch. 2004-373; s. 30, ch. 2008-172; s. 20, ch. 2010-64; s. 13, ch. 2010-113; s. 30, ch. 2016-224; s. 12, ch. 2017-115.
Note.—Subsection (1) former s. 948.03(2); subsection (3) former s. 948.01(14).
948.11 Electronic monitoring devices.—
(1) The Department of Corrections shall electronically monitor an offender sentenced to community control when the court has imposed electronic monitoring as a condition of community control.
(2) Any offender placed under supervision who violates the terms and conditions of supervision and is restored to supervision may be supervised by means of an electronic monitoring device or system if ordered by the court.
(3) For those offenders being electronically monitored, the Department of Corrections shall develop procedures to determine, investigate, and report the offender’s noncompliance with the terms and conditions of sentence 24 hours per day. All reports of noncompliance shall be immediately investigated by a probation officer.
(4) The Department of Corrections may contract with local law enforcement agencies to assist in the location and apprehension of offenders who are in noncompliance as reported by the electronic monitoring system. This contract is intended to provide the department a means for providing immediate investigation of noncompliance reports, especially after normal office hours.
(5) Any person being electronically monitored by the department as a result of being placed on supervision shall pay the department for the electronic monitoring services as provided in s. 948.09(2).
(6) For probationers, community controllees, or conditional releasees who have current or prior convictions for violent or sexual offenses, the department, in carrying out a court or commission order to electronically monitor an offender, must use a system that actively monitors and identifies the offender’s location and timely reports or records the offender’s presence near or within a crime scene or in a prohibited area or the offender’s departure from specified geographic limitations. Procurement of electronic monitoring services under this subsection shall be by competitive procurement in accordance with s. 287.057.
History.—s. 5, ch. 87-211; s. 37, ch. 89-526; ss. 4, 9, ch. 91-280; s. 15, ch. 93-227; s. 16, ch. 2004-373; s. 18, ch. 2005-28; s. 12, ch. 2009-63; s. 21, ch. 2010-64; s. 14, ch. 2010-113; s. 2, ch. 2016-15; s. 13, ch. 2017-115.
Note.—Subsections (1)-(4) former s. 948.03(3).
948.12 Intensive supervision for postprison release of violent offenders.—It is the finding of the Legislature that the population of violent offenders released from state prison into the community poses the greatest threat to the public safety of the groups of offenders under community supervision. Therefore, for the purpose of enhanced public safety, any offender released from state prison who:
(1) Was most recently incarcerated for an offense that is or was contained in category 1 (murder, manslaughter), category 2 (sexual offenses), category 3 (robbery), or category 4 (violent personal crimes) of Rules 3.701 and 3.988, Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure (1993), and who has served at least one prior felony commitment at a state or federal correctional institution;
(2) Was sentenced as a habitual offender, violent habitual offender, or violent career criminal pursuant to s. 775.084; or
(3) Has been found to be a sexual predator pursuant to s. 775.21,
and who has a term of probation to follow the period of incarceration shall be provided intensive supervision by experienced correctional probation officers. Subject to specific appropriation by the Legislature, caseloads may be restricted to a maximum of 40 offenders per officer to provide for enhanced public safety as well as to effectively monitor conditions of electronic monitoring or curfews, if such was ordered by the court.
History.—s. 11, ch. 97-78; s. 17, ch. 2004-371; s. 59, ch. 2016-24.
948.15 Misdemeanor probation services.—
(1) A defendant found guilty of a misdemeanor who is placed on probation shall be under supervision not to exceed 6 months unless otherwise specified by the court. Probation supervision services for a defendant found guilty of a misdemeanor for possession of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia under chapter 893 may be provided by a licensed substance abuse education and intervention program, which may provide substance abuse education and intervention as well as any other terms and conditions of probation. In relation to any offense other than a felony in which the use of alcohol is a significant factor, the period of probation may be up to 1 year.
(2) A private entity or public entity, including a licensed substance abuse education and intervention program, under the supervision of the board of county commissioners or the court may provide probation services and licensed substance abuse education and treatment intervention programs for offenders sentenced by the county court.
(3) Any private entity, including a licensed substance abuse education and intervention program, providing services for the supervision of misdemeanor probationers must contract with the county in which the services are to be rendered. In a county having a population of fewer than 70,000, the county court judge, or the administrative judge of the county court in a county that has more than one county court judge, must approve the contract. Terms of the contract must state, but are not limited to:
(a) The extent of the services to be rendered by the entity providing supervision or rehabilitation.
(b) Staff qualifications and criminal record checks of staff.
(c) Staffing levels.
(d) The number of face-to-face contacts with the offender.
(e) Procedures for handling the collection of all offender fees and restitution.
(f) Procedures for handling indigent offenders which ensure placement irrespective of ability to pay.
(g) Circumstances under which revocation of an offender’s probation may be recommended.
(h) Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
(i) Default and contract termination procedures.
(j) Procedures that aid offenders with job assistance.
(k) Procedures for accessing criminal history records of probationers.
In addition, the entity shall supply the chief judge’s office with a quarterly report summarizing the number of offenders supervised by the private entity, payment of the required contribution under supervision or rehabilitation, and the number of offenders for whom supervision or rehabilitation will be terminated. All records of the entity must be open to inspection upon the request of the county, the court, the Auditor General, the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, or agents thereof.
(4) A private entity that provides court-ordered services to offenders and that charges a fee for such services must register with the board of county commissioners in the county in which the services are offered. The entity shall provide the following information for each program it operates:
(a) The length of time the program has been operating in the county.
(b) A list of the staff and a summary of their qualifications.
(c) A summary of the types of services that are offered under the program.
(d) The fees the entity charges for court-ordered services and its procedures, if any, for handling indigent offenders.
(5) The private entity, including a licensed substance abuse education and intervention program, providing misdemeanor supervision services must also comply with all other applicable provisions of law.
History.—s. 10, ch. 91-280; s. 11, ch. 93-61; s. 42, ch. 95-283; s. 134, ch. 2001-266; s. 19, ch. 2005-28; s. 1, ch. 2012-106; s. 14, ch. 2017-115.
948.16 Misdemeanor pretrial substance abuse education and treatment intervention program; misdemeanor pretrial veterans’ treatment intervention program; misdemeanor pretrial mental health court program.—
(1)(a) A person who is charged with a nonviolent, nontraffic-related misdemeanor and identified as having a substance abuse problem or who is charged with a misdemeanor for possession of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia under chapter 893, prostitution under s. 796.07, possession of alcohol while under 21 years of age under s. 562.111, or possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription under s. 499.03, and who has not previously been convicted of a felony, is eligible for voluntary admission into a misdemeanor pretrial substance abuse education and treatment intervention program, including a treatment-based drug court program established pursuant to s. 397.334, approved by the chief judge of the circuit, for a period based on the program requirements and the treatment plan for the offender, upon motion of either party or the court’s own motion, except, if the state attorney believes the facts and circumstances of the case suggest the defendant is involved in dealing and selling controlled substances, the court shall hold a preadmission hearing. If the state attorney establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence at such hearing, that the defendant was involved in dealing or selling controlled substances, the court shall deny the defendant’s admission into the pretrial intervention program.
(b) While enrolled in a pretrial intervention program authorized by this section, the participant is subject to a coordinated strategy developed by a drug court team under s. 397.334(4). The coordinated strategy may include a protocol of sanctions that may be imposed upon the participant for noncompliance with program rules. The protocol of sanctions may include, but is not limited to, placement in a substance abuse treatment program offered by a licensed service provider as defined in s. 397.311 or in a jail-based treatment program or serving a period of incarceration within the time limits established for contempt of court. The coordinated strategy must be provided in writing to the participant before the participant agrees to enter into a pretrial treatment-based drug court program or other pretrial intervention program. Any person whose charges are dismissed after successful completion of the treatment-based drug court program, if otherwise eligible, may have his or her arrest record and plea of nolo contendere to the dismissed charges expunged under s. 943.0585.
(2)(a) A veteran, as defined in s. 1.01; a veteran who is discharged or released under any condition; a servicemember, as defined in s. 250.01; an individual who is a current or former United States Department of Defense contractor; or an individual who is a current or former military member of a foreign allied country, who suffers from a military service-related mental illness, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse disorder, or psychological problem, and who is charged with a misdemeanor is eligible for voluntary admission into a misdemeanor pretrial veterans’ treatment intervention program approved by the chief judge of the circuit, for a period based on the program’s requirements and the treatment plan for the offender, upon motion of either party or the court’s own motion. However, the court may deny the defendant admission into a misdemeanor pretrial veterans’ treatment intervention program if the defendant has previously entered a court-ordered veterans’ treatment program.
(b) While enrolled in a pretrial intervention program authorized by this section, the participant shall be subject to a coordinated strategy developed by a veterans’ treatment intervention team. The coordinated strategy should be modeled after the therapeutic jurisprudence principles and key components in s. 397.334(4), with treatment specific to the needs of veterans and servicemembers. The coordinated strategy may include a protocol of sanctions that may be imposed upon the participant for noncompliance with program rules. The protocol of sanctions may include, but need not be limited to, placement in a treatment program offered by a licensed service provider or in a jail-based treatment program or serving a period of incarceration within the time limits established for contempt of court. The coordinated strategy must be provided in writing to the participant before the participant agrees to enter into a misdemeanor pretrial veterans’ treatment intervention program or other pretrial intervention program. Any person whose charges are dismissed after successful completion of the misdemeanor pretrial veterans’ treatment intervention program, if otherwise eligible, may have his or her arrest record of the dismissed charges expunged under s. 943.0585.
(3) A defendant who is charged with a misdemeanor and identified as having a mental illness is eligible for voluntary admission into a misdemeanor pretrial mental health court program established pursuant to s. 394.47892, approved by the chief judge of the circuit, for a period to be determined by the court, based on the clinical needs of the defendant, upon motion of either party or the court’s own motion.
(4) At the end of the pretrial intervention period, the court shall consider the recommendation of the treatment program and the recommendation of the state attorney as to disposition of the pending charges. The court shall determine, by written finding, whether the defendant successfully completed the pretrial intervention program. Notwithstanding the coordinated strategy developed by a drug court team pursuant to s. 397.334(4) or by the veterans’ treatment intervention team, if the court finds that the defendant has not successfully completed the pretrial intervention program, the court may order the person to continue in education and treatment or return the charges to the criminal docket for prosecution. The court shall dismiss the charges upon finding that the defendant has successfully completed the pretrial intervention program.
(5) Any public or private entity providing a pretrial substance abuse education and treatment program or mental health court program under this section shall contract with the county or appropriate governmental entity. The terms of the contract shall include, but not be limited to, the requirements established for private entities under s. 948.15(3). This requirement does not apply to services provided by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs or the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
History.—s. 4, ch. 2001-48; s. 9, ch. 2006-97; s. 6, ch. 2009-64; s. 1, ch. 2012-35; s. 19, ch. 2012-159; s. 115, ch. 2013-15; s. 36, ch. 2016-24; s. 18, ch. 2016-127; s. 3, ch. 2019-61.
948.20 Drug offender probation.—
(1) If it appears to the court upon a hearing that the defendant is a chronic substance abuser whose criminal conduct is a violation of s. 893.13(2)(a) or (6)(a), or other nonviolent felony if such nonviolent felony is committed on or after July 1, 2009, and notwithstanding s. 921.0024 the defendant’s Criminal Punishment Code scoresheet total sentence points are 60 points or fewer, the court may either adjudge the defendant guilty or stay and withhold the adjudication of guilt. In either case, the court may also stay and withhold the imposition of sentence and place the defendant on drug offender probation or into a postadjudicatory treatment-based drug court program if the defendant otherwise qualifies. As used in this section, the term “nonviolent felony” means a third degree felony violation under chapter 810 or any other felony offense that is not a forcible felony as defined in s. 776.08.
(2) The Department of Corrections shall develop and administer a drug offender probation program which emphasizes a combination of treatment and intensive community supervision approaches and which includes provision for supervision of offenders in accordance with a specific treatment plan. The program may include the use of graduated sanctions consistent with the conditions imposed by the court. Drug offender probation status shall include surveillance and random drug testing, and may include those measures normally associated with community control, except that specific treatment conditions and other treatment approaches necessary to monitor this population may be ordered.
(3) Offenders placed on drug offender probation are subject to revocation of probation as provided in s. 948.06.
History.—s. 14, ch. 91-225; s. 6, ch. 97-239; s. 4, ch. 2001-55; s. 10, ch. 2004-373; s. 7, ch. 2009-64; s. 5, ch. 2011-33; s. 137, ch. 2019-167.
Note.—Former s. 948.01(13).
948.21 Condition of probation or community control; military servicemembers and veterans.—
(1) Effective for a probationer or community controllee whose crime is committed on or after July 1, 2012, and who is a veteran, as defined in s. 1.01, or servicemember, as defined in s. 250.01, who suffers from a military service-related mental illness, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse disorder, or psychological problem, the court may, in addition to any other conditions imposed, impose a condition requiring the probationer or community controllee to participate in a treatment program capable of treating the probationer’s or community controllee’s mental illness, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse disorder, or psychological problem.
(2) Effective for a probationer or community controllee whose crime is committed on or after July 1, 2016, and who is a veteran, as defined in s. 1.01, including a veteran who is discharged or released under a general discharge, or servicemember, as defined in s. 250.01, who suffers from a military service-related mental illness, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse disorder, or psychological problem, the court may, in addition to any other conditions imposed, impose a condition requiring the probationer or community controllee to participate in a treatment program capable of treating the probationer or community controllee’s mental illness, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse disorder, or psychological problem.
(3) Effective for a probationer or community controllee whose crime is committed on or after October 1, 2019, and who is a veteran, as defined in s. 1.01; a veteran who is discharged or released under any condition; a servicemember, as defined in s. 250.01; an individual who is a current or former United States Department of Defense contractor; or an individual who is a current or former military member of a foreign allied country, who suffers from a military service-related mental illness, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse disorder, or psychological problem, the court may, in addition to any other conditions imposed, impose a condition requiring the probationer or community controllee to participate in a treatment program capable of treating the probationer or community controllee’s mental illness, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse disorder, or psychological problem.
(4) The court shall give preference to treatment programs for which the probationer or community controllee is eligible through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The Department of Corrections is not required to spend state funds to implement this section.
History.—s. 20, ch. 2012-159; s. 19, ch. 2016-127; s. 4, ch. 2019-61.
948.30 Additional terms and conditions of probation or community control for certain sex offenses.—Conditions imposed pursuant to this section do not require oral pronouncement at the time of sentencing and shall be considered standard conditions of probation or community control for offenders specified in this section.
(1) Effective for probationers or community controllees whose crime was committed on or after October 1, 1995, and who are placed under supervision for violation of chapter 794, s. 800.04, s. 827.071, s. 847.0135(5), or s. 847.0145, the court must impose the following conditions in addition to all other standard and special conditions imposed:
(a) A mandatory curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The court may designate another 8-hour period if the offender’s employment precludes the above specified time, and the alternative is recommended by the Department of Corrections. If the court determines that imposing a curfew would endanger the victim, the court may consider alternative sanctions.
(b) If the victim was under the age of 18, a prohibition on living within 1,000 feet of a school, child care facility, park, playground, or other place where children regularly congregate, as prescribed by the court. The 1,000-foot distance shall be measured in a straight line from the offender’s place of residence to the nearest boundary line of the school, child care facility, park, playground, or other place where children congregate. The distance may not be measured by a pedestrian route or automobile route. A probationer or community controllee who is subject to this paragraph may not be forced to relocate and does not violate his or her probation or community control if he or she is living in a residence that meets the requirements of this paragraph and a school, child care facility, park, playground, or other place where children regularly congregate is subsequently established within 1,000 feet of his or her residence.
(c) Active participation in and successful completion of a sex offender treatment program with qualified practitioners specifically trained to treat sex offenders, at the probationer’s or community controllee’s own expense. If a qualified practitioner is not available within a 50-mile radius of the probationer’s or community controllee’s residence, the offender shall participate in other appropriate therapy.
(d) A prohibition on any contact with the victim, directly or indirectly, including through a third person, unless approved by the victim, a qualified practitioner in the sexual offender treatment program, and the sentencing court.
(e) If the victim was under the age of 18, a prohibition on contact with a child under the age of 18 except as provided in this paragraph. The court may approve supervised contact with a child under the age of 18 if the approval is based upon a recommendation for contact issued by a qualified practitioner who is basing the recommendation on a risk assessment. Further, the sex offender must be currently enrolled in or have successfully completed a sex offender therapy program. The court may not grant supervised contact with a child if the contact is not recommended by a qualified practitioner and may deny supervised contact with a child at any time. When considering whether to approve supervised contact with a child, the court must review and consider the following:
1. A risk assessment completed by a qualified practitioner. The qualified practitioner must prepare a written report that must include the findings of the assessment and address each of the following components:
a. The sex offender’s current legal status;
b. The sex offender’s history of adult charges with apparent sexual motivation;
c. The sex offender’s history of adult charges without apparent sexual motivation;
d. The sex offender’s history of juvenile charges, whenever available;
e. The sex offender’s offender treatment history, including consultations with the sex offender’s treating, or most recent treating, therapist;
f. The sex offender’s current mental status;
g. The sex offender’s mental health and substance abuse treatment history as provided by the Department of Corrections;
h. The sex offender’s personal, social, educational, and work history;
i. The results of current psychological testing of the sex offender if determined necessary by the qualified practitioner;
j. A description of the proposed contact, including the location, frequency, duration, and supervisory arrangement;
k. The child’s preference and relative comfort level with the proposed contact, when age appropriate;
l. The parent’s or legal guardian’s preference regarding the proposed contact; and
m. The qualified practitioner’s opinion, along with the basis for that opinion, as to whether the proposed contact would likely pose significant risk of emotional or physical harm to the child.
The written report of the assessment must be given to the court;
2. A recommendation made as a part of the risk assessment report as to whether supervised contact with the child should be approved;
3. A written consent signed by the child’s parent or legal guardian, if the parent or legal guardian is not the sex offender, agreeing to the sex offender having supervised contact with the child after receiving full disclosure of the sex offender’s present legal status, past criminal history, and the results of the risk assessment. The court may not approve contact with the child if the parent or legal guardian refuses to give written consent for supervised contact;
4. A safety plan prepared by the qualified practitioner, who provides treatment to the offender, in collaboration with the sex offender, the child’s parent or legal guardian, if the parent or legal guardian is not the sex offender, and the child, when age appropriate, which details the acceptable conditions of contact between the sex offender and the child. The safety plan must be reviewed and approved by the court; and
5. Evidence that the child’s parent or legal guardian understands the need for and agrees to the safety plan and has agreed to provide, or to designate another adult to provide, constant supervision any time the child is in contact with the offender.
The court may not appoint a person to conduct a risk assessment and may not accept a risk assessment from a person who has not demonstrated to the court that he or she has met the requirements of a qualified practitioner as defined in this section.
(f) If the victim was under age 18, a prohibition on working for pay or as a volunteer at any place where children regularly congregate, including, but not limited to, schools, child care facilities, parks, playgrounds, pet stores, libraries, zoos, theme parks, and malls.
(g) Unless otherwise indicated in the treatment plan provided by a qualified practitioner in the sexual offender treatment program, a prohibition on viewing, accessing, owning, or possessing any obscene, pornographic, or sexually stimulating visual or auditory material, including telephone, electronic media, computer programs, or computer services that are relevant to the offender’s deviant behavior pattern.
(h) Effective for probationers and community controllees whose crime is committed on or after July 1, 2005, a prohibition on accessing the Internet or other computer services until a qualified practitioner in the offender’s sex offender treatment program, after a risk assessment is completed, approves and implements a safety plan for the offender’s accessing or using the Internet or other computer services.
(i) A requirement that the probationer or community controllee must submit a specimen of blood or other approved biological specimen to the Department of Law Enforcement to be registered with the DNA data bank.
(j) A requirement that the probationer or community controllee make restitution to the victim, as ordered by the court under s. 775.089, for all necessary medical and related professional services relating to physical, psychiatric, and psychological care.
(k) Submission to a warrantless search by the community control or probation officer of the probationer’s or community controllee’s person, residence, or vehicle.
(2) Effective for a probationer or community controllee whose crime was committed on or after October 1, 1997, and who is placed on community control or sex offender probation for a violation of chapter 794, s. 800.04, s. 827.071, s. 847.0135(5), or s. 847.0145, in addition to any other provision of this section, the court must impose the following conditions of probation or community control:
(a) As part of a treatment program, participation at least annually in polygraph examinations to obtain information necessary for risk management and treatment and to reduce the sex offender’s denial mechanisms. A polygraph examination must be conducted by a polygrapher who is a member of a national or state polygraph association and who is certified as a postconviction sex offender polygrapher, where available, and shall be paid for by the probationer or community controllee. The results of the polygraph examination shall be provided to the probationer’s or community controllee’s probation officer and qualified practitioner and shall not be used as evidence in court to prove that a violation of community supervision has occurred.
(b) Maintenance of a driving log and a prohibition against driving a motor vehicle alone without the prior approval of the supervising officer.
(c) A prohibition against obtaining or using a post office box without the prior approval of the supervising officer.
(d) If there was sexual contact, a submission to, at the probationer’s or community controllee’s expense, an HIV test with the results to be released to the victim or the victim’s parent or guardian.
(e) Electronic monitoring when deemed necessary by the community control or probation officer and his or her supervisor, and ordered by the court at the recommendation of the Department of Corrections.
(3) Effective for a probationer or community controllee whose crime was committed on or after September 1, 2005, and who:
(a) Is placed on probation or community control for a violation of chapter 794, s. 800.04(4), (5), or (6), s. 827.071, or s. 847.0145 and the unlawful sexual activity involved a victim 15 years of age or younger and the offender is 18 years of age or older;
(b) Is designated a sexual predator pursuant to s. 775.21; or
(c) Has previously been convicted of a violation of chapter 794, s. 800.04(4), (5), or (6), s. 827.071, or s. 847.0145 and the unlawful sexual activity involved a victim 15 years of age or younger and the offender is 18 years of age or older,
the court must order, in addition to any other provision of this section, mandatory electronic monitoring as a condition of the probation or community control supervision.
(4) In addition to all other conditions imposed, for a probationer or community controllee who is subject to supervision for a crime that was committed on or after May 26, 2010, and who has been convicted at any time of committing, or attempting, soliciting, or conspiring to commit, any of the criminal offenses listed in s. 943.0435(1)(h)1.a.(I), or a similar offense in another jurisdiction, against a victim who was under the age of 18 at the time of the offense; if the offender has not received a pardon for any felony or similar law of another jurisdiction necessary for the operation of this subsection, if a conviction of a felony or similar law of another jurisdiction necessary for the operation of this subsection has not been set aside in any postconviction proceeding, or if the offender has not been removed from the requirement to register as a sexual offender or sexual predator pursuant to s. 943.04354, the court must impose the following conditions:
(a) A prohibition on visiting schools, child care facilities, parks, and playgrounds, without prior approval from the offender’s supervising officer. The court may also designate additional locations to protect a victim. The prohibition ordered under this paragraph does not prohibit the offender from visiting a school, child care facility, park, or playground for the sole purpose of attending a religious service as defined in s. 775.0861 or picking up or dropping off the offender’s children or grandchildren at a child care facility or school.
(b) A prohibition on distributing candy or other items to children on Halloween; wearing a Santa Claus costume, or other costume to appeal to children, on or preceding Christmas; wearing an Easter Bunny costume, or other costume to appeal to children, on or preceding Easter; entertaining at children’s parties; or wearing a clown costume; without prior approval from the court.
(5) Effective for a probationer or community controllee whose crime was committed on or after October 1, 2014, and who is placed on probation or community control for a violation of chapter 794, s. 800.04, s. 827.071, s. 847.0135(5), or s. 847.0145, in addition to all other conditions imposed, the court must impose a condition prohibiting the probationer or community controllee from viewing, accessing, owning, or possessing any obscene, pornographic, or sexually stimulating visual or auditory material unless otherwise indicated in the treatment plan provided by a qualified practitioner in the sexual offender treatment program. Visual or auditory material includes, but is not limited to, telephone, electronic media, computer programs, and computer services.
History.—s. 59, ch. 95-283; s. 6, ch. 96-409; s. 3, ch. 97-308; s. 14, ch. 98-81; s. 13, ch. 99-201; s. 3, ch. 2000-246; s. 1, ch. 2003-18; s. 1, ch. 2003-63; s. 18, ch. 2004-373; s. 151, ch. 2005-2; s. 20, ch. 2005-28; s. 4, ch. 2005-67; s. 31, ch. 2008-172; ss. 12, 18, ch. 2010-92; s. 15, ch. 2014-4; s. 60, ch. 2016-24; s. 13, ch. 2016-104.
Note.—Former s. 948.03(5).
948.31 Evaluation and treatment of sexual predators and offenders on probation or community control.—The court may require any probationer or community controllee who is required to register as a sexual predator under s. 775.21 or sexual offender under s. 943.0435, s. 944.606, or s. 944.607 to undergo an evaluation, at the probationer or community controllee’s expense, by a qualified practitioner to determine whether such probationer or community controllee needs sexual offender treatment. If the qualified practitioner determines that sexual offender treatment is needed and recommends treatment, the probationer or community controllee must successfully complete and pay for the treatment. Such treatment must be obtained from a qualified practitioner as defined in s. 948.001. Treatment may not be administered by a qualified practitioner who has been convicted or adjudicated delinquent of committing, or attempting, soliciting, or conspiring to commit, any offense that is listed in s. 943.0435(1)(h)1.a.(I).
History.—s. 1, ch. 81-198; s. 3, ch. 83-75; s. 16, ch. 83-131; s. 192, ch. 83-216; s. 37, ch. 89-526; s. 4, ch. 91-280; s. 13, ch. 99-201; s. 3, ch. 2000-246; s. 17, ch. 2004-373; s. 32, ch. 2008-172; s. 13, ch. 2010-92; s. 16, ch. 2014-4; s. 61, ch. 2016-24; s. 14, ch. 2016-104.
Note.—Former s. 948.03(4).
948.32 Requirements of law enforcement agency upon arrest of persons for certain sex offenses.—
(1) When any state or local law enforcement agency investigates or arrests a person for committing, or attempting, soliciting, or conspiring to commit, a violation of s. 787.025(2)(c), s. 787.06(3)(g), chapter 794, former s. 796.03, s. 800.04, s. 827.071, s. 847.0133, s. 847.0135, or s. 847.0145, the law enforcement agency shall contact the Department of Corrections to verify whether the person under investigation or under arrest is on probation, community control, parole, conditional release, or control release.
(2) If the law enforcement agency finds that the person under investigation or under arrest is on probation, community control, parole, conditional release, or control release, the law enforcement agency shall immediately notify the person’s probation officer or release supervisor of the investigation or the arrest.
History.—s. 13, ch. 97-299; s. 3, ch. 2000-246; s. 28, ch. 2004-373; s. 7, ch. 2006-299; s. 32, ch. 2014-160.
Note.—Former s. 948.06(2).
948.51 Community corrections assistance to counties or county consortiums.—
(1) LEGISLATIVE INTENT.—The purpose of this section is to:
(a) Divert nonviolent offenders from the state prison system by punishing such offenders with community-based sanctions, thereby reserving the state prison system for those offenders who are deemed to be most dangerous to the community.
(b) Forge a partnership between the state and the correctional and public safety programs and facilities within a county or consortium of counties so that state funds may be effectively contractually disbursed to counties or county consortiums to build and operate corrections and public safety programs.
(c) Promote accountability of offenders to their community by requiring financial restitution to victims of crime and by requiring public service to be performed for local governments and community agencies.
(d) Make victim restitution a greater priority and provide closer monitoring of offenders to ensure payment to victims.
(e) Maintain safe and cost-efficient community correctional programs that also require supervision and counseling, and substance abuse testing, assessment, and treatment of appropriate offenders.
(f) Provide sanctions, services, treatment, and alternative punishments that are available to the judge at sentencing and for pretrial intervention.
(g) Reduce, for contracting counties and county consortiums, both the percentage of nonviolent felony offenders committed to the state prison system and the percentage of nonviolent misdemeanants committed to the county detention system by punishing such offenders within the community or by requiring them to reside within community-based facilities.
(h) Require nonviolent offenders to meet their community obligations by maintaining employment, thereby providing resources for their families, service to the community, and payment for their cost of supervision and treatment.
(i) Extend the average length of supervision and commitment to a correctional program for those sentenced to community corrections programs beyond the actual time that they would have received at the state level.
(2) ELIGIBILITY OF COUNTIES AND COUNTY CONSORTIUMS.—A county, or a consortium of two or more counties, may contract with the Department of Corrections for community corrections funds as provided in this section. In order to enter into a community corrections partnership contract, a county or county consortium must have a public safety coordinating council established under s. 951.26 and must designate a county officer or agency to be responsible for administering community corrections funds received from the state. The public safety coordinating council shall prepare, develop, and implement a comprehensive public safety plan for the county, or the geographic area represented by the county consortium, and shall submit an annual report to the Department of Corrections concerning the status of the program. In preparing the comprehensive public safety plan, the public safety coordinating council shall cooperate with the juvenile justice circuit advisory board established under s. 985.664 in order to include programs and services for juveniles in the plan. To be eligible for community corrections funds under the contract, the initial public safety plan must be approved by the governing board of the county, or the governing board of each county within the consortium, and the Secretary of Corrections based on the requirements of this section. If one or more other counties develop a unified public safety plan, the public safety coordinating council shall submit a single application to the department for funding. Continued contract funding shall be pursuant to subsection (5). The plan for a county or county consortium must cover at least a 5-year period and must include:
(a) A description of programs offered for the job placement and treatment of offenders in the community.
(b) A specification of community-based intermediate sentencing options to be offered and the types and number of offenders to be included in each program.
(c) Specific goals and objectives for reducing the projected percentage of commitments to the state prison system of persons with low total sentencing scores pursuant to the Criminal Punishment Code.
(d) Specific evidence of the population status of all programs which are part of the plan, which evidence establishes that such programs do not include offenders who otherwise would have been on a less intensive form of community supervision.
(e) The assessment of population status by the public safety coordinating council of all correctional facilities owned or contracted for by the county or by each county within the consortium.
(f) The assessment of bed space that is available for substance abuse intervention and treatment programs and the assessment of offenders in need of treatment who are committed to each correctional facility owned or contracted for by the county or by each county within the consortium.
(g) A description of program costs and sources of funds for each community corrections program, including community corrections funds, loans, state assistance, and other financial assistance.
(3) DEPARTMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES.—The Department of Corrections shall:
(a) Administer this section within the goals and mandates of this legislation.
(b) Report by January 1 of each year to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on the effectiveness of participating counties and county consortiums in diverting nonviolent offenders from the state prison system.
(c) Establish, in cooperation with the governing bodies of counties and municipalities and with school boards, a program to provide technical assistance, education, and training to local governments, nonprofit entities and agencies, and public safety coordinating councils regarding community corrections and the provisions of this section.
(d) Develop minimum standards, policies, and administrative rules for the statewide implementation of this section.
(e) Develop and implement a community corrections partnership contract process and procedure.
(f) Review community public safety plans and provide contract funding.
(g) Conduct a review, as often as necessary but not less than annually, of all program measures, to ensure program accountability.
(4) PURPOSES OF COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS FUNDS.—
(a) The Secretary of Corrections may contract for the issuance of community corrections assistance funds, as appropriated by the Legislature, to an eligible contracting county or county consortium for the purposes of:
1. Providing community-based corrections programs within county-owned or county-contracted residential probation programs.
2. Providing nonincarcerative diversionary programs, including pretrial release programs, for juvenile offenders or adult offenders who would otherwise be housed in a county detention facility, a state juvenile detention facility, or a state correctional institution.
3. Providing community-based drug treatment programs, both outpatient and residential, by licensed providers.
4. Funding costs for the enhancement of programs within county detention facilities.
5. Funding costs for the enhancement of public safety and crime prevention programs.
(b) Programs, services, and facilities that may be funded under this section include, but are not limited to:
1. Programs providing pretrial services.
2. Specialized divisions within the circuit or county court established for the purpose of hearing specific types of cases, such as drug cases or domestic violence cases.
3. Work camps.
4. Programs providing intensive probation supervision.
5. Military-style boot camps.
6. Work-release facilities.
7. Centers to which offenders report during the day.
8. Restitution centers.
9. Inpatient or outpatient programs for substance abuse treatment and counseling.
10. Vocational and educational programs.
11. Rehabilitative community reentry programs that provide services that assist offenders in successfully reentering the community. Such services may include, but are not limited to, assistance with housing, health care, education, substance abuse treatment, and employment.
(c) The application and contract submitted to the department by the public safety coordinating council may include provisions for funding the anticipated costs of providing health care to offenders placed in a program or facility funded under this section.
(d) Upon the award of community corrections assistance funds, the department shall disburse one-third of the funds for provision of the services described above and shall thereafter disburse the remaining funds on a quarterly basis.
(e) Except as provided in this paragraph, contracting counties or county consortiums may not use any community corrections assistance funds for any of the following purposes:
1. Fixed capital outlay in construction, addition, renovation, or operation of any adult or juvenile secure detention facility;
2. Construction, addition, renovation, or operation of any state facility; or
3. Salary of any state probation and parole officer.
However, community corrections assistance funds may be used to acquire, renovate, and operate county-owned residential probation facilities or programs.
(5) CONTINUED CONTRACT FUNDING.—In order to remain eligible for continued contract funding, a contracting county or county consortium must substantially comply with the goals, standards, and objectives set forth in its comprehensive public safety plan and with the standards established in this section. Each contracting county or county consortium shall participate with the Department of Corrections in an evaluation of its program effectiveness in a format to be determined by the department, with particular emphasis placed upon attainment of the goals specified in paragraphs (2)(c) and (d). The department is responsible for the costs of performing the evaluation. If the department determines that a county or county consortium, in the course of its regular business and recordkeeping practices, is unable, without additional funds, to comply with the department’s request for information necessary to perform an evaluation, the department shall reimburse reasonable additional recordkeeping expenses incurred by the county or county consortium during the evaluation process.
(6) NONCOMPLIANCE WITH PLAN.—If the Secretary of Corrections determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a contracting county or county consortium is not substantially complying with its plan or with the standards established in this section, the secretary shall give 30 days’ written notice to the governing board of the county, or the governing board of each county within the consortium, and the chair of the public safety coordinating council. If the secretary then finds noncompliance by such contracting county or county consortium, the secretary shall require the governing board of the county, or the governing board of each county within the consortium, to provide a written agreement as to how and when the specific deficiencies identified by the secretary will be corrected. If no such agreement is submitted to the secretary within the time limit specified, or if such deficiencies are not corrected within 45 days after such an agreement has been approved by the secretary, the secretary may suspend any part or all of the funding until compliance is achieved.
(7) ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.—The department shall allocate the funding for these contracts to counties and county consortiums to the extent authorized in the General Appropriations Act.
(8) For the purposes of this section, the term “public safety” does not include the investigative, patrol, or administrative activities of a law enforcement agency.
History.—s. 4, ch. 91-225; s. 33, ch. 92-310; s. 6, ch. 94-265; s. 43, ch. 95-283; s. 35, ch. 97-194; s. 20, ch. 98-204; s. 60, ch. 98-280; s. 12, ch. 2000-135; s. 120, ch. 2006-120; s. 1, ch. 2010-96; s. 4, ch. 2013-118.
948.90 Local offender advisory councils.—
(1) It is the intent of the Legislature that cities and counties or combinations thereof have the option to develop, establish, and maintain community programs to provide the judicial system with community alternatives for certain nonviolent offenders who may require less than institutional custody but more than probation supervision pursuant to this chapter. It is further intended that such programs provide increased opportunities for offenders to make restitution to victims of crime through financial reimbursement or community service, while promoting efficiency and economy in the delivery of correctional services.
(2) In the event that a city or county or a combination thereof elects to develop, establish, and maintain such community program, it shall provide support to a local offender advisory council composed of members appointed by the city or county governing body; if a council is established by more than one local government, an equal number of members shall be appointed by each participating governing body. Each council shall also include in its membership two persons appointed by the chief judge of the circuit serving the jurisdiction or jurisdictions participating on the committee and one person appointed by the appropriate regional office of the Department of Corrections. Each such council shall be responsible for:
(a) Identifying and developing community services and programs for use by the courts in diverting offenders from state correctional institutions.
(b) Providing a mechanism whereby all offenders with needs for services will be linked to appropriate agencies and individuals.
(c) Upon referral to the council by the circuit court, determining if an appropriate behavioral contract can be developed with an offender in a community program as an alternative to incarceration, and providing findings and recommendations to the referring judge.
History.—s. 28, ch. 83-131; s. 78, ch. 85-62.