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2023 Florida Statutes (including 2023C)
Chapter 960
VICTIM ASSISTANCE
VICTIM ASSISTANCE
CHAPTER 960
VICTIM ASSISTANCE
960.001 Guidelines for fair treatment of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems.
960.0015 Victim’s right to a speedy trial; speedy trial demand by the state attorney.
960.0021 Legislative intent; advisement to victims.
960.003 Hepatitis and HIV testing for persons charged with or alleged by petition for delinquency to have committed certain offenses; disclosure of results to victims.
960.01 Short title.
960.02 Declaration of policy and legislative intent.
960.03 Definitions; ss. 960.01-960.28.
960.045 Department of Legal Affairs; powers and duties.
960.05 Crime Victims’ Services Office.
960.065 Eligibility for awards.
960.07 Filing of claims for compensation.
960.09 Determination of claims.
960.12 Emergency awards.
960.13 Awards.
960.14 Manner of payment; execution or attachment.
960.15 Records.
960.16 Subrogation.
960.17 Award constitutes debt owed to state.
960.18 Penalty for fraud.
960.194 Emergency responder death benefits.
960.195 Awards to elderly persons or disabled adults for property loss.
960.196 Relocation assistance for victims of human trafficking.
960.197 Assistance to victims of online sexual exploitation and child pornography.
960.198 Relocation assistance for victims of domestic violence.
960.199 Relocation assistance for victims of sexual battery.
960.21 Crimes Compensation Trust Fund.
960.22 Application for federal funds.
960.23 Notice of provisions of this chapter.
960.28 Payment for victims’ initial forensic physical examinations.
960.29 Legislative findings and intent.
960.291 Definitions.
960.292 Enforcement of the civil restitution lien through civil restitution lien order.
960.293 Determination of damages and losses.
960.294 Effect of civil restitution liens.
960.295 Civil restitution lien supplemental to other forms of restitution available to lienholder.
960.296 Construction and severability.
960.297 Authorization for governmental right of restitution for costs of incarceration.
960.298 Priority of liens.
960.001 Guidelines for fair treatment of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems.—
(1) The Department of Legal Affairs, the state attorneys, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Florida Commission on Offender Review, the State Courts Administrator and circuit court administrators, the Department of Law Enforcement, and every sheriff’s department, police department, or other law enforcement agency as defined in s. 943.10(4) shall develop and implement guidelines for the use of their respective agencies, which guidelines are consistent with the purposes of this act and s. 16(b), Art. I of the State Constitution and are designed to implement s. 16(b), Art. I of the State Constitution and to achieve the following objectives:
(a) Information concerning services available to victims of adult and juvenile crime.—As provided in s. 27.0065, state attorneys and public defenders shall gather information regarding the following services in the geographic boundaries of their respective circuits and shall provide such information to each law enforcement agency with jurisdiction within such geographic boundaries. Law enforcement personnel shall ensure, through distribution of a victim’s rights information card or brochure at the crime scene, during the criminal investigation, and in any other appropriate manner, that victims are given, as a matter of course at the earliest possible time, information about:
1. The availability of crime victim compensation, if applicable;
2. Crisis intervention services, supportive or bereavement counseling, social service support referrals, and community-based victim treatment programs;
3. The role of the victim in the criminal or juvenile justice process, including what the victim may expect from the system as well as what the system expects from the victim;
4. The stages in the criminal or juvenile justice process which are of significance to the victim and the manner in which information about such stages can be obtained;
5. The right of a victim, who is not incarcerated, including the victim’s parent or guardian if the victim is a minor, the lawful representative of the victim or of the victim’s parent or guardian if the victim is a minor, and the next of kin of a homicide victim, upon request, to be informed, to be present, and to be heard at all stages of a criminal or juvenile proceeding as provided by s. 16(b), Art. I of the State Constitution;
6. In the case of incarcerated victims, the right, upon request, to be informed and to submit written statements at all stages of the criminal proceedings, parole proceedings, or juvenile proceedings;
7. The right of a victim to a prompt and timely disposition of the case in order to minimize the period during which the victim must endure the responsibilities and stress involved; and
8. The right of a victim to employ private counsel. The Florida Bar is encouraged to develop a registry of attorneys who are willing to serve on a pro bono basis as advocates for crime victims.
(b) Information for purposes of notifying victim or appropriate next of kin of victim or other designated contact of victim.—In the case of a homicide, pursuant to chapter 782; or a sexual offense, pursuant to chapter 794; or an attempted murder or sexual offense, pursuant to chapter 777; or stalking, pursuant to s. 784.048; or domestic violence, pursuant to s. 25.385:
1. The arresting law enforcement officer or personnel of an organization that provides assistance to a victim or to the appropriate next of kin of the victim or other designated contact must request that the victim or appropriate next of kin of the victim or other designated contact complete a victim notification card. However, the victim or appropriate next of kin of the victim or other designated contact may choose not to complete the victim notification card.
2. Unless the victim or the appropriate next of kin of the victim or other designated contact waives the option to complete the victim notification card, a copy of the victim notification card must be filed with the incident report or warrant in the sheriff’s office of the jurisdiction in which the incident report or warrant originated. The notification card shall, at a minimum, consist of:
a. The name, address, and phone number of the victim; or
b. The name, address, and phone number of the appropriate next of kin of the victim; or
c. The name, address, and telephone number of a designated contact other than the victim or appropriate next of kin of the victim; and
d. Any relevant identification or case numbers assigned to the case.
3. The chief administrator, or a person designated by the chief administrator, of a county jail, municipal jail, juvenile detention facility, or residential commitment facility shall make a reasonable attempt to notify the alleged victim or appropriate next of kin of the alleged victim or other designated contact within 4 hours following the release of the defendant on bail or, in the case of a juvenile offender, upon the release from residential detention or commitment. If the chief administrator, or designee, is unable to contact the alleged victim or appropriate next of kin of the alleged victim or other designated contact by telephone, the chief administrator, or designee, must send to the alleged victim or appropriate next of kin of the alleged victim or other designated contact a written notification of the defendant’s release.
4. Unless otherwise requested by the victim or the appropriate next of kin of the victim or other designated contact, the information contained on the victim notification card must be sent by the chief administrator, or designee, of the appropriate facility to the subsequent correctional or residential commitment facility following the sentencing and incarceration of the defendant, and unless otherwise requested by the victim or the appropriate next of kin of the victim or other designated contact, he or she must be notified of the release of the defendant from incarceration as provided by law.
5. If the defendant was arrested pursuant to a warrant issued or taken into custody pursuant to s. 985.101 in a jurisdiction other than the jurisdiction in which the defendant is being released, and the alleged victim or appropriate next of kin of the alleged victim or other designated contact does not waive the option for notification of release, the chief correctional officer or chief administrator of the facility releasing the defendant shall make a reasonable attempt to immediately notify the chief correctional officer of the jurisdiction in which the warrant was issued or the juvenile was taken into custody pursuant to s. 985.101, and the chief correctional officer of that jurisdiction shall make a reasonable attempt to notify the alleged victim or appropriate next of kin of the alleged victim or other designated contact, as provided in this paragraph, that the defendant has been or will be released.
(c) Information concerning protection available to victim or witness.—A victim or witness shall be furnished, as a matter of course, with information on steps that are available to law enforcement officers and state attorneys to protect victims and witnesses from intimidation. Victims of domestic violence shall also be given information about the address confidentiality program provided under s. 741.403.
(d) Notification of scheduling changes.—Each victim or witness who has been scheduled to attend a criminal or juvenile justice proceeding shall be notified as soon as possible by the agency scheduling his or her appearance of any change in scheduling which will affect his or her appearance.
(e) Advance notification to victim or relative of victim concerning judicial proceedings; right to be present.—Any victim, parent, guardian, or lawful representative of a minor who is a victim, or relative of a homicide victim shall receive from the appropriate agency, at the address found in the police report or the victim notification card if such has been provided to the agency, prompt advance notification, unless the agency itself does not have advance notification, of judicial and postjudicial proceedings relating to his or her case, including all proceedings or hearings relating to:
1. The arrest of an accused;
2. The release of the accused pending judicial proceedings or any modification of release conditions; and
3. Proceedings in the prosecution or petition for delinquency of the accused, including the filing of the accusatory instrument, the arraignment, disposition of the accusatory instrument, trial or adjudicatory hearing, sentencing or disposition hearing, appellate review, subsequent modification of sentence, collateral attack of a judgment, and, when a term of imprisonment, detention, or residential commitment is imposed, the release of the defendant or juvenile offender from such imprisonment, detention, or residential commitment by expiration of sentence or parole and any meeting held to consider such release.
A victim, a victim’s parent or guardian if the victim is a minor, a lawful representative of the victim or of the victim’s parent or guardian if the victim is a minor, or a victim’s next of kin may not be excluded from any portion of any hearing, trial, or proceeding pertaining to the offense based solely on the fact that such person is subpoenaed to testify, unless, upon motion, the court determines such person’s presence to be prejudicial. The appropriate agency with respect to notification under subparagraph 1. is the arresting law enforcement agency, and the appropriate agency with respect to notification under subparagraphs 2. and 3. is the Attorney General or state attorney, unless the notification relates to a hearing concerning parole, in which case the appropriate agency is the Florida Commission on Offender Review. The Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, or the sheriff is the appropriate agency with respect to release by expiration of sentence or any other release program provided by law. A victim may waive notification at any time, and such waiver shall be noted in the agency’s files.
(f) Information concerning release from incarceration from a county jail, municipal jail, juvenile detention facility, or residential commitment facility.—The chief administrator, or a person designated by the chief administrator, of a county jail, municipal jail, juvenile detention facility, or residential commitment facility shall, upon the request of the victim or the appropriate next of kin of a victim or other designated contact of the victim of any of the crimes specified in paragraph (b), make a reasonable attempt to notify the victim or appropriate next of kin of the victim or other designated contact before the defendant’s or offender’s release from incarceration, detention, or residential commitment if the victim notification card has been provided pursuant to paragraph (b). If prior notification is not successful, a reasonable attempt must be made to notify the victim or appropriate next of kin of the victim or other designated contact within 4 hours following the release of the defendant or offender from incarceration, detention, or residential commitment. If the defendant is released following sentencing, disposition, or furlough, the chief administrator or designee shall make a reasonable attempt to notify the victim or the appropriate next of kin of the victim or other designated contact within 4 hours following the release of the defendant. If the chief administrator or designee is unable to contact the victim or appropriate next of kin of the victim or other designated contact by telephone, the chief administrator or designee must send to the victim or appropriate next of kin of the victim or other designated contact a written notification of the defendant’s or offender’s release.
(g) Consultation with victim or guardian or family of victim.—
1. In addition to being notified of s. 921.143, the victim of a felony involving physical or emotional injury or trauma or, in a case in which the victim is a minor child or in a homicide, the guardian or family of the victim shall be consulted by the state attorney in order to obtain the views of the victim or family about the disposition of any criminal or juvenile case brought as a result of such crime, including the views of the victim or family about:
a. The release of the accused pending judicial proceedings;
b. Plea agreements;
c. Participation in pretrial diversion programs; and
d. Sentencing of the accused.
2. Upon request, the state attorney shall permit the victim, the victim’s parent or guardian if the victim is a minor, the lawful representative of the victim or of the victim’s parent or guardian if the victim is a minor, or the victim’s next of kin in the case of a homicide to review a copy of the presentence investigation report before the sentencing hearing if one was completed. Any confidential information that pertains to medical history, mental health, or substance abuse and any information that pertains to any other victim shall be redacted from the copy of the report. Any person who reviews the report pursuant to this paragraph must maintain the confidentiality of the report and may not disclose its contents to any person except statements made to the state attorney or the court.
3. If an inmate has been approved for community work release, the Department of Corrections shall, upon request and as provided in s. 944.605, notify the victim, the victim’s parent or guardian if the victim is a minor, the lawful representative of the victim or of the victim’s parent or guardian if the victim is a minor, or the victim’s next of kin if the victim is a homicide victim.
(h) Return of property to victim.—Law enforcement agencies and the state attorney shall promptly return a victim’s property held for evidentiary purposes unless there is a compelling law enforcement reason for retaining it. The trial or juvenile court exercising jurisdiction over the criminal or juvenile proceeding may enter appropriate orders to implement this subsection, including allowing photographs of the victim’s property to be used as evidence at the criminal trial or the juvenile proceeding in place of the victim’s property if no substantial evidentiary issue related thereto is in dispute.
(i) Notification to employer and explanation to creditors of victim or witness.—A victim or witness who so requests shall be assisted by law enforcement agencies and the state attorney in informing his or her employer that the need for victim and witness cooperation in the prosecution of the case may necessitate the absence of that victim or witness from work. A victim or witness who, as a direct result of a crime or of his or her cooperation with law enforcement agencies or a state attorney, is subjected to serious financial strain shall be assisted by such agencies and state attorney in explaining to the creditors of such victim or witness the reason for such serious financial strain.
(j) Notification of right to request restitution.—Law enforcement agencies and the state attorney shall inform the victim of the victim’s right to request and receive restitution pursuant to s. 775.089 or s. 985.437, and of the victim’s rights of enforcement under ss. 775.089(6) and 985.0301 in the event an offender does not comply with a restitution order. The state attorney shall seek the assistance of the victim in the documentation of the victim’s losses for the purpose of requesting and receiving restitution. In addition, the state attorney shall inform the victim if and when restitution is ordered. If an order of restitution is converted to a civil lien or civil judgment against the defendant, the clerks shall make available at their office, as well as on their website, information provided by the Secretary of State, the court, or The Florida Bar on enforcing the civil lien or judgment.
(k) Notification of right to submit impact statement.—The state attorney shall inform the victim of the victim’s right to submit an oral or written impact statement pursuant to s. 921.143 and shall assist in the preparation of such statement if necessary.
(l) Local witness coordination services.—The requirements for notification provided for in paragraphs (c), (d), and (i) may be performed by the state attorney or public defender for their own witnesses.
(m) Victim assistance education and training.—Victim assistance education and training shall be offered to persons taking courses at law enforcement training facilities and to state attorneys and assistant state attorneys so that victims may be promptly, properly, and completely assisted.
(n) General victim assistance.—Victims and witnesses shall be provided with such other assistance, such as transportation, parking, separate pretrial waiting areas, and translator services in attending court, as is practicable.
(o) Victim’s rights information card or brochure.—A victim of a crime shall be provided with a victim’s rights information card or brochure containing essential information concerning the rights of a victim and services available to a victim as required by state law.
(p) Information concerning escape from a state correctional institution, county jail, juvenile detention facility, or residential commitment facility.—In any case where an offender escapes from a state correctional institution, private correctional facility, county jail, juvenile detention facility, or residential commitment facility, the institution of confinement shall immediately notify the state attorney of the jurisdiction where the criminal charge or petition for delinquency arose and the judge who imposed the sentence of incarceration. The state attorney shall thereupon make every effort to notify the victim, material witness, parents or legal guardian of a minor who is a victim or witness, or immediate relatives of a homicide victim of the escapee. The state attorney shall also notify the sheriff of the county where the criminal charge or petition for delinquency arose. The sheriff shall offer assistance upon request. When an escaped offender is subsequently captured or is captured and returned to the institution of confinement, the institution of confinement shall again immediately notify the appropriate state attorney and sentencing judge pursuant to this section.
(q) Presence of victim advocate during discovery deposition; testimony of victim of a sexual offense.—At the request of the victim or the victim’s parent, guardian, or lawful representative, the victim advocate designated by the state attorney’s office, sheriff’s office, or municipal police department, or one representative from a not-for-profit victim services organization, including, but not limited to, rape crisis centers, domestic violence advocacy groups, and alcohol abuse or substance abuse groups shall be permitted to attend and be present during any deposition of the victim. The victim of a sexual offense shall be informed of the right to have the courtroom cleared of certain persons as provided in s. 918.16 when the victim is testifying concerning that offense.
(r) Implementing crime prevention in order to protect the safety of persons and property, as prescribed in the State Comprehensive Plan.—By preventing crimes that create victims or further harm former victims, crime prevention efforts are an essential part of providing effective service for victims and witnesses. Therefore, the agencies identified in this subsection may participate in and expend funds for crime prevention, public awareness, public participation, and educational activities directly relating to, and in furtherance of, existing public safety statutes. Furthermore, funds may not be expended for the purpose of influencing public opinion on public policy issues that have not been resolved by the Legislature or the electorate.
(s) Attendance of victim at same school as defendant.—If the victim of an offense committed by a juvenile is a minor, the Department of Juvenile Justice shall request information to determine if the victim, or any sibling of the victim, attends or is eligible to attend the same school as the offender. However, if the offender is subject to a presentence investigation by the Department of Corrections, the Department of Corrections shall make such request. If the victim or any sibling of the victim attends or is eligible to attend the same school as that of the offender, the appropriate agency shall notify the victim’s parent or legal guardian of the right to attend the sentencing or disposition of the offender and request that the offender be required to attend a different school.
(t) Use of a polygraph examination or other truth-telling device with victim.—A law enforcement officer, prosecuting attorney, or other government official may not ask or require an adult, youth, or child victim of an alleged sexual battery as defined in chapter 794 or other sexual offense to submit to a polygraph examination or other truth-telling device as a condition of proceeding with the investigation of such an offense. The refusal of a victim to submit to such an examination does not prevent the investigation, charging, or prosecution of the offense.
(u) Presence of victim advocates during forensic medical examination.—At the request of the victim or the victim’s parent, guardian, or lawful representative, a victim advocate from a certified rape crisis center shall be permitted to attend any forensic medical examination.
(v) Information concerning an investigation into the death of a minor.—
1. For purposes of this paragraph, “next of kin” includes “family,” “guardian,” “next of kin,” and “parent” as those terms are defined in s. 39.01.
2. During the investigation of the death of a minor, the law enforcement agency that initiates or bears the primary responsibility for the investigation must provide the minor’s next of kin with all of the following information:
a. The contact information for the primary contact, if known, for the particular investigation, and, if more than one law enforcement agency is involved in the investigation, the contact information for at least one of the secondary law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.
b. The case number for the investigation, if applicable.
c. A list of the minor’s personal effects that were found on or with the minor and information on how the minor’s next of kin can collect such personal effects. A law enforcement agency may withhold the information in this sub-subparagraph if providing the information would jeopardize or otherwise interfere with an active investigation.
d. Information regarding the status of the investigation, at the discretion of the law enforcement agency.
3. This paragraph does not require a law enforcement agency to provide any of the information under this paragraph if doing so would jeopardize or otherwise interfere with an active investigation.
4. This paragraph does not require a law enforcement agency to provide investigative records generated during its investigation to a minor’s next of kin for inspection.
(w) Victim’s right to candor.—Each victim must be notified that he or she has the right, if contacted to obtain information relating to a criminal proceeding by an attorney, investigator, or any other agent acting on behalf of the criminal defendant, to be informed of:
1. The person’s name and employer.
2. The fact that such person is acting on behalf of the defendant.
(2) The secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice, and sheriff, chief administrator, or any of their respective designees, who acts in good faith in making a reasonable attempt to comply with the provisions of this section with respect to timely victim notification, shall be immune from civil or criminal liability for an inability to timely notify the victim or appropriate next of kin of the victim or other designated contact of such information. A good faith effort shall be evidenced by a log entry noting that an attempt was made to notify the victim within the time period specified by this section.
(3)(a) A copy of the guidelines and an implementation plan adopted by each agency shall be filed with the Governor, and subsequent changes or amendments thereto shall be likewise filed when adopted.
(b) A copy of a budget request prepared pursuant to chapter 216 shall also be filed for the sole purpose of carrying out the activities and services outlined in the guidelines.
(c) The Governor shall advise state agencies of any statutory changes which require an amendment to their guidelines.
(d) The Executive Office of the Governor shall review the guidelines submitted pursuant to this section:
1. To determine whether all affected agencies have developed guidelines which address all appropriate aspects of this section;
2. To encourage consistency in the guidelines and plans in their implementation in each judicial circuit and throughout the state; and
3. To determine when an agency needs to amend or modify its existing guidelines.
(e) The Executive Office of the Governor shall issue an annual report detailing each agency’s compliance or noncompliance with its duties as provided under this section. In addition, the Governor may apply to the circuit court of the county where the headquarters of such agency is located for injunctive relief against any agency which has failed to comply with any of the requirements of this section, which has failed to file the guidelines, or which has filed guidelines in violation of this section, to compel compliance with this section.
(4) The state attorney and one or more of the law enforcement agencies within each judicial circuit may develop and file joint agency guidelines, as required by this section, which allocate the statutory duties among the participating agencies. Responsibility for successful execution of the entire guidelines lies with all parties.
(5) Nothing in this section or in the guidelines adopted pursuant to this section shall be construed as creating a cause of action against the state or any of its agencies or political subdivisions.
(6) Victims and witnesses who are not incarcerated shall not be required to attend discovery depositions in any correctional facility.
(7) The victim of a crime, the victim’s parent or guardian if the victim is a minor, and the state attorney, with the consent of the victim or the victim’s parent or guardian if the victim is a minor, have standing to assert the rights of a crime victim which are provided by law or s. 16(b), Art. I of the State Constitution.
(8) For the purposes of this section, a law enforcement agency or the office of the state attorney may release any information deemed relevant to adequately inform the victim if the offense was committed by a juvenile. Information gained by the victim pursuant to this chapter, including the next of kin of a homicide victim, regarding any case handled in juvenile court, must not be revealed to any outside party, except as is reasonably necessary in pursuit of legal remedies.
(9) As used in this section, the term “chief administrator” includes the appropriate chief correctional officers of a county jail or municipal jail, and the appropriate chief administrator of a juvenile detention facility or residential commitment facility.
History.—s. 11, ch. 84-363; s. 79, ch. 85-62; s. 13, ch. 88-96; s. 64, ch. 88-122; s. 1, ch. 88-381; s. 8, ch. 90-211; s. 2, ch. 92-66; s. 15, ch. 92-287; s. 12, ch. 93-37; s. 1, ch. 93-230; s. 20, ch. 94-342; s. 2, ch. 95-160; s. 1, ch. 95-254; s. 1, ch. 96-315; s. 1883, ch. 97-102; s. 1, ch. 98-109; s. 63, ch. 98-280; s. 2, ch. 99-263; s. 7, ch. 99-284; s. 1, ch. 99-373; s. 10, ch. 2001-125; s. 3, ch. 2001-209; s. 2, ch. 2002-56; s. 5, ch. 2003-23; s. 137, ch. 2003-402; s. 89, ch. 2004-265; s. 122, ch. 2006-120; s. 1, ch. 2007-129; s. 56, ch. 2014-191; s. 94, ch. 2019-167; s. 7, ch. 2021-219; s. 1, ch. 2022-106; s. 3, ch. 2023-109; s. 2, ch. 2023-148.
960.0015 Victim’s right to a speedy trial; speedy trial demand by the state attorney.—
(1) The state attorney may file a demand for a speedy trial if the state has met its obligations under the rules of discovery, the charge is a felony or misdemeanor, the court has granted at least three continuances upon the request of the defendant over the objection of the state attorney, and:
(a) If a felony case, it is not resolved within 125 days after the date that formal charges are filed and the defendant is arrested or the date that notice to appear in lieu of arrest is served upon the defendant; or
(b) If a misdemeanor case, it is not resolved within 45 days after the date that formal charges are filed and the defendant is arrested or the date that notice to appear in lieu of arrest is served upon the defendant.
(2) Upon the filing of a demand for a speedy trial, the trial court shall schedule a calendar call within 5 days, at which time the court shall schedule the trial to commence no sooner than 5 days or later than 45 days following the date of the calendar call. The court may, however, grant whatever further extension may be required to prevent deprivation of the defendant’s right to due process.
(3)(a) The trial court may postpone the trial date for up to 30 additional days upon a showing by the defendant that a necessary witness who was properly served failed to attend the deposition and also failed to attend a subsequently scheduled deposition following a court order to appear. The court may, however, grant whatever further extension may be required to prevent deprivation of the defendant’s right to due process.
(b) The trial court may also postpone the trial date for no fewer than 30 days but no more than 70 days if the court grants a motion by counsel to withdraw and the court appoints other counsel. The court may, however, grant whatever further extension may be required to prevent deprivation of the defendant’s right to due process.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2005-44.
960.0021 Legislative intent; advisement to victims.—
(1) The Legislature finds that in order to ensure that crime victims can effectively understand and exercise their rights under s. 16, Art. I of the State Constitution, and to promote law enforcement that considers the interests of crime victims, victims must be properly advised in the courts of this state.
(2) The courts may fulfill their obligation to advise crime victims by doing one of the following:
(a) Making the following announcement at any arraignment, sentencing, or case-management proceeding:
“If you are the victim of a crime with a case pending before this court, you are advised that you have the right, upon request:
1. To be informed.
2. To be present.
3. To be heard at all stages of criminal proceedings.
4. To receive advance notification, when possible, of judicial proceedings and notification of scheduling changes, pursuant to section 960.001, Florida Statutes.
5. To seek crimes compensation and restitution.
6. To consult with the state attorney’s office in certain felony cases regarding the disposition of the case.
7. To make an oral or written victim impact statement at the time of sentencing of a defendant.
For further information regarding additional rights afforded to victims of crime, you may contact the state attorney’s office or obtain a listing of your rights from the Clerk of Court.”
(b) Displaying prominently on the courtroom doors posters giving notification of the existence and general provisions of this chapter. The Department of Legal Affairs shall provide the courts with the posters specified by this paragraph.
(3) The circuit court administrator shall coordinate efforts to ensure that victim rights information, as established in s. 960.001(1)(o), is provided to the clerk of the court.
(4) This section is only for the benefit of crime victims. Accordingly, a failure to comply with this section shall not affect the validity of any hearing, conviction, or sentence.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2002-56; s. 2, ch. 2022-106; s. 133, ch. 2023-8.
960.003 Hepatitis and HIV testing for persons charged with or alleged by petition for delinquency to have committed certain offenses; disclosure of results to victims.—
(1) LEGISLATIVE INTENT.—The Legislature finds that a victim of a criminal offense which involves the transmission of body fluids, or which involves certain sexual offenses in which the victim is a minor, disabled adult, or elderly person, is entitled to know at the earliest possible opportunity whether the person charged with or alleged by petition for delinquency to have committed the offense has tested positive for hepatitis or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The Legislature finds that to deny victims access to hepatitis and HIV test results causes unnecessary mental anguish in persons who have already suffered trauma. The Legislature further finds that since medical science now recognizes that early diagnosis is a critical factor in the treatment of hepatitis and HIV infection, both the victim and the person charged with or alleged by petition for delinquency to have committed the offense benefit from prompt disclosure of hepatitis and HIV test results.
(2) TESTING OF PERSON CHARGED WITH OR ALLEGED BY PETITION FOR DELINQUENCY TO HAVE COMMITTED CERTAIN OFFENSES.—
(a) In any case in which a person has been charged by information or indictment with or alleged by petition for delinquency to have committed any offense enumerated in s. 775.0877(1)(a)-(n), which involves the transmission of body fluids from one person to another, upon request of the victim or the victim’s legal guardian, or of the parent or legal guardian of the victim if the victim is a minor, the court shall order such person to undergo hepatitis and HIV testing within 48 hours after the information, indictment, or petition for delinquency is filed. In the event the victim or, if the victim is a minor, the victim’s parent or legal guardian requests hepatitis and HIV testing after 48 hours have elapsed from the filing of the indictment, information, or petition for delinquency, the testing shall be done within 48 hours after the request.
(b) However, when a victim of any sexual offense enumerated in s. 775.0877(1)(a)-(n) is under the age of 18 at the time the offense was committed or when a victim of any sexual offense enumerated in s. 775.0877(1)(a)-(n) or s. 825.1025 is a disabled adult or elderly person as defined in s. 825.1025 regardless of whether the offense involves the transmission of bodily fluids from one person to another, then upon the request of the victim or the victim’s legal guardian, or of the parent or legal guardian, the court shall order such person to undergo hepatitis and HIV testing within 48 hours after the information, indictment, or petition for delinquency is filed. In the event the victim or, if the victim is a minor, the victim’s parent or legal guardian requests hepatitis and HIV testing after 48 hours have elapsed from the filing of the indictment, information, or petition for delinquency, the testing shall be done within 48 hours after the request. The testing shall be performed under the direction of the Department of Health in accordance with s. 381.004. The results of a hepatitis and HIV test performed on a defendant or juvenile offender pursuant to this subsection shall not be admissible in any criminal or juvenile proceeding arising out of the alleged offense.
(c) If medically appropriate, followup HIV testing shall be provided when testing has been ordered under paragraph (a) or paragraph (b). The medical propriety of followup HIV testing shall be based upon a determination by a physician and does not require an additional court order. Notification to the victim, or to the victim’s parent or legal guardian, and to the defendant of the results of each followup test shall be made as soon as practicable in accordance with this section.
(3) DISCLOSURE OF RESULTS.—
(a) The results of the test shall be disclosed no later than 2 weeks after the court receives such results, under the direction of the Department of Health, to the person charged with or alleged by petition for delinquency to have committed or to the person convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for any offense enumerated in s. 775.0877(1)(a)-(n), which involves the transmission of body fluids from one person to another, and, upon request, to the victim or the victim’s legal guardian, or the parent or legal guardian of the victim if the victim is a minor, and to public health agencies pursuant to s. 775.0877. If the alleged offender is a juvenile, the test results shall also be disclosed to the parent or guardian. When the victim is a victim as described in paragraph (2)(b), the test results must also be disclosed no later than 2 weeks after the court receives such results, to the person charged with or alleged by petition for delinquency to have committed or to the person convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for any offense enumerated in s. 775.0877(1)(a)-(n), or s. 825.1025 regardless of whether the offense involves the transmission of bodily fluids from one person to another, and, upon request, to the victim or the victim’s legal guardian, or the parent or legal guardian of the victim, and to public health agencies pursuant to s. 775.0877. Otherwise, hepatitis and HIV test results obtained pursuant to this section are confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution and shall not be disclosed to any other person except as expressly authorized by law or court order.
(b) At the time that the results are disclosed to the victim or the victim’s legal guardian, or to the parent or legal guardian of a victim if the victim is a minor, the same immediate opportunity for face-to-face counseling which must be made available under s. 381.004 to those who undergo hepatitis and HIV testing shall also be afforded to the victim or the victim’s legal guardian, or to the parent or legal guardian of the victim if the victim is a minor.
(4) POSTCONVICTION TESTING.—If, for any reason, the testing requested under subsection (2) has not been undertaken, then upon request of the victim or the victim’s legal guardian, or the parent or legal guardian of the victim if the victim is a minor, the court shall order the offender to undergo hepatitis and HIV testing following conviction or delinquency adjudication. The testing shall be performed under the direction of the Department of Health, and the results shall be disclosed in accordance with the provisions of subsection (3).
(5) EXCEPTIONS.—Subsections (2) and (4) do not apply if:
(a) The person charged with or convicted of or alleged by petition for delinquency to have committed or been adjudicated delinquent for an offense described in subsection (2) has undergone hepatitis and HIV testing voluntarily or pursuant to procedures established in s. 381.004(2)(h)6. or s. 951.27, or any other applicable law or rule providing for hepatitis and HIV testing of criminal defendants, inmates, or juvenile offenders, subsequent to his or her arrest, conviction, or delinquency adjudication for the offense for which he or she was charged or alleged by petition for delinquency to have committed; and
(b) The results of such hepatitis and HIV testing have been furnished to the victim or the victim’s legal guardian, or the parent or legal guardian of the victim if the victim is a minor.
(6) TESTING DURING INCARCERATION, DETENTION, OR PLACEMENT; DISCLOSURE.—In any case in which a person convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for an offense described in subsection (2) has not been tested under subsection (2), but undergoes hepatitis and HIV testing during his or her incarceration, detention, or placement, the results of the initial hepatitis and HIV testing shall be disclosed in accordance with subsection (3). Except as otherwise requested by the victim or the victim’s legal guardian, or the parent or guardian of the victim if the victim is a minor, if the initial test is conducted within the first year of the imprisonment, detention, or placement, the request for disclosure shall be considered a standing request for any subsequent hepatitis and HIV test results obtained within 1 year after the initial hepatitis and HIV tests are performed, and need not be repeated for each test administration. Where the inmate or juvenile offender has previously been tested pursuant to subsection (2) the request for disclosure under this subsection shall be considered a standing request for subsequent hepatitis and HIV results conducted within 1 year of the test performed pursuant to subsection (2). If the hepatitis and HIV testing is performed by an agency other than the Department of Health, that agency shall be responsible for forwarding the test results to the Department of Health for disclosure in accordance with the provisions of subsection (3). This subsection shall not be limited to results of hepatitis and HIV tests administered subsequent to June 27, 1990, but shall also apply to the results of all hepatitis and HIV tests performed on inmates convicted of or juvenile offenders adjudicated delinquent for sex offenses as described in subsection (2) during their incarceration, detention, or placement prior to June 27, 1990.
History.—s. 1, ch. 90-210; s. 17, ch. 92-287; s. 17, ch. 93-227; s. 2, ch. 93-230; s. 9, ch. 94-90; s. 29, ch. 96-322; s. 453, ch. 96-406; s. 1884, ch. 97-102; s. 125, ch. 99-3; s. 327, ch. 99-8; s. 7, ch. 2002-58; s. 2, ch. 2007-129; s. 50, ch. 2010-117; s. 12, ch. 2011-220; s. 116, ch. 2013-15.
960.01 Short title.—The provisions of ss. 960.01-960.28 may be cited as the “Florida Crimes Compensation Act.”
History.—s. 1, ch. 77-452; s. 18, ch. 92-287.
960.02 Declaration of policy and legislative intent.—The Legislature recognizes that many innocent persons suffer personal injury or death as a direct result of adult and juvenile criminal acts or in their efforts to prevent crime or apprehend persons committing or attempting to commit adult and juvenile crimes. Such persons or their dependents may thereby suffer disabilities, incur financial hardships, or become dependent upon public assistance. The Legislature finds and determines that there is a need for government financial assistance for such victims of adult and juvenile crime. Accordingly, it is the intent of the Legislature that aid, care, and support be provided by the state, as a matter of moral responsibility, for such victims of adult and juvenile crime. It is the express intent of the Legislature that all state departments and agencies cooperate with the Department of Legal Affairs in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.
History.—s. 1, ch. 77-452; s. 2, ch. 80-146; s. 1, ch. 91-23; s. 19, ch. 92-287.
960.03 Definitions; ss. 960.01-960.28.—As used in ss. 960.01-960.28, unless the context otherwise requires, the term:
(1) “Catastrophic injury” means a permanent impairment constituted by:
(a) Spinal cord injury involving severe paralysis of an arm, a leg, or the trunk;
(b) Amputation of an arm, a hand, a foot, or a leg;
(c) Severe brain or closed-head injury as evidenced by:
1. Severe sensory or motor disturbances;
2. Severe communication disturbances;
3. Severe complex integrated disturbances of cerebral function;
4. Severe episodic neurological disorders; or
5. Other severe brain and closed-head injury conditions at least as severe in nature as any condition described in subparagraphs 1.-4.;
(d) Second-degree or third-degree burns on 25 percent or more of the total body surface or third-degree burns on 5 percent or more of the face and hands;
(e) Total or industrial blindness; or
(f) Any other injury that would otherwise qualify under this chapter and that is of a nature and severity that would qualify an employee to receive disability income benefits under Title II or supplemental security income benefits under Title XVI of the federal Social Security Act as the Social Security Act existed on July 1, 1992, without regard to any time limitations provided under that act.
(2) “Claimant” means the person on whose behalf an award is sought.
(3) “Crime” means:
(a) A felony or misdemeanor offense committed by an adult or a juvenile which results in physical injury or death, a forcible felony committed by an adult or juvenile which directly results in psychiatric or psychological injury, or a felony or misdemeanor offense of child abuse committed by an adult or a juvenile which results in a mental injury, as defined in s. 827.03, to a person younger than 18 years of age who was not physically injured by the criminal act. The mental injury to the minor must be verified by a psychologist licensed under chapter 490, by a physician licensed in this state under chapter 458 or chapter 459 who has completed an accredited residency in psychiatry, or by a physician who has obtained certification as an expert witness pursuant to s. 458.3175. The term also includes a criminal act that is committed within this state but that falls exclusively within federal jurisdiction.
(b) A violation of s. 316.027(2), s. 316.193, s. 316.1935, s. 327.35(1), s. 782.071(1)(b), or s. 860.13(1)(a) which results in physical injury or death.
(c) An act involving the operation of a motor vehicle, boat, or aircraft which results in another person’s injury or death that is intentionally inflicted through the use of the vehicle, boat, or aircraft; however, no other act involving the operation of a motor vehicle, boat, or aircraft constitutes a crime for purposes of this chapter.
(d) A criminal act committed outside this state against a resident of this state which would have been compensable if it had occurred in this state and which occurred in a jurisdiction that does not have an eligible crime victim compensation program as the term is defined in the federal Victims of Crime Act of 1984.
(e) A violation of s. 827.071, s. 847.0135, s. 847.0137, or s. 847.0138, related to online sexual exploitation and child pornography.
(f) A felony or misdemeanor that results in the death of an emergency responder, as defined in and solely for the purposes of s. 960.194, while answering a call for service in the line of duty, notwithstanding paragraph (c).
(4) “Crime Victims’ Services Office” means the former Bureau of Crimes Compensation and Victim and Witness Services, now the Crime Victims’ Services Office of the Department of Legal Affairs.
(5) “Department” means the Department of Legal Affairs.
(6) “Disabled adult” means a person 18 years of age or older who suffers from a condition of physical or mental incapacitation due to a developmental disability, organic brain damage, or mental illness or who has one or more physical or mental limitations that restrict the person’s ability to perform the normal activities of daily living.
(7) “Elderly person” means a person 60 years of age or older who is suffering from the infirmities of aging as manifested by advanced age or organic brain damage, or other physical, mental, or emotional dysfunction, to the extent that the ability of the person to provide adequately for his or her own care or protection is impaired.
(8) “Hearing officer” means a hearing officer designated by the Attorney General.
(9) “Intervenor” means any person who goes to the aid of another and suffers bodily injury or death as a direct result of acting, not recklessly, to prevent the commission of a crime, to lawfully apprehend a person reasonably suspected of having committed a crime, or to aid the victim of a crime.
(10) “Identified victim of child pornography” means any person who, while under the age of 18, is depicted in any image or movie of child pornography and who is identified through a report generated by a law enforcement agency and provided to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Child Victim Identification Program.
(11) “Out-of-pocket loss” means unreimbursed and unreimbursable expenses or indebtedness incurred for medical care, nonmedical remedial care, psychological counseling, or other treatment rendered in accordance with a religious method of healing or for other services necessary as a result of the injury or death upon which such claim is based.
(12) “Property loss” means the loss of tangible personal property directly caused by a criminal or delinquent act of another.
(13) “Treatment” means:
(a) Medical, dental, psychological, mental health, chiropractic, or physical rehabilitation services;
(b) Nonmedical remedial care; or
(c) Other treatment rendered in accordance with a religious method of healing.
(14) “Victim” means:
(a) A person who suffers personal physical injury or death as a direct result of a crime;
(b) A person younger than 18 years of age who was present at the scene of a crime, saw or heard the crime, and suffered a psychiatric or psychological injury because of the crime but who was not physically injured;
(c) A person younger than 18 years of age who was the victim of a felony or misdemeanor offense of child abuse that resulted in a mental injury as defined by s. 827.03 but who was not physically injured;
(d) A person against whom a forcible felony was committed and who suffers a psychiatric or psychological injury as a direct result of that crime but who does not otherwise sustain a personal physical injury or death; or
(e) An emergency responder, as defined in and solely for the purposes of s. 960.194, who is killed answering a call for service in the line of duty.
History.—s. 1, ch. 77-452; s. 3, ch. 80-146; s. 507, ch. 81-259; s. 1, ch. 85-326; s. 25, ch. 86-296; s. 9, ch. 90-211; s. 2, ch. 91-23; s. 35, ch. 91-46; s. 4, ch. 92-107; s. 20, ch. 92-287; s. 2, ch. 96-315; s. 1, ch. 97-41; s. 11, ch. 98-417; s. 2, ch. 99-373; s. 4, ch. 2001-147; s. 8, ch. 2005-119; s. 3, ch. 2007-129; s. 7, ch. 2008-172; s. 15, ch. 2012-155; s. 101, ch. 2015-2; s. 14, ch. 2015-92; s. 13, ch. 2017-155.
960.045 Department of Legal Affairs; powers and duties.—It shall be the duty of the department to assist persons who are victims of crime.
(1) The department shall:
(a) Establish and maintain an office in Tallahassee and prescribe the duties of the employees of the Crime Victims’ Services Office.
(b) Adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this chapter.
(c) Prepare an annual written report of the activities of the Crime Victims’ Services Office, which shall be available on the department’s Internet website.
(d) Authorize other units within the department to assist in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.
(2) The department shall provide the Crime Victims’ Services Office with legal representation relative to its duties and responsibilities under this chapter.
(3) The department shall have a criminal history record check performed through the Florida Crime Information Center system on any victim or other claimant on whose behalf an award is sought under ss. 960.01-960.28.
(4) The department shall establish criteria governing awards for catastrophic injury as a direct result of a crime.
History.—s. 1, ch. 77-452; s. 306, ch. 79-400; s. 6, ch. 80-146; s. 506, ch. 81-259; s. 4, ch. 85-326; s. 4, ch. 91-23; s. 5, ch. 92-107; s. 229, ch. 98-200; s. 10, ch. 99-373; s. 19, ch. 2000-155; s. 166, ch. 2010-102.
Note.—Former s. 960.06.
960.05 Crime Victims’ Services Office.—
(1) There is hereby created within the Department of Legal Affairs a Crime Victims’ Services Office, which shall be the organizational unit through which the department exercises its duties and responsibilities pursuant to this chapter.
(2) The Crime Victims’ Services Office is established for the following purposes:
(a) To emphasize the rights and needs of crime victims statewide.
(b) To ensure that the rights of victims are properly publicized and encouraged.
(c) To administer federally funded victim assistance services programs.
(d) To coordinate the flow of information between all agencies and organizations which provide services for victims of crime.
(e) To assist the development and administration of crime victim programs and services.
(f) To seek to identify the victims of crime and inform them of the provisions of this chapter.
(g) To serve as a clearinghouse for information relating to the problems encountered by the victims of crime.
(h) To enlist the assistance of public and voluntary health, education, welfare, and rehabilitation agencies or groups in a concerted effort to aid persons who are victims of crime.
(i) To assist public agencies and local governments to provide assistance for victims of crime.
(j) To act as an advocate for the victims of crime to obtain aid and services from public or private health, education, welfare, or rehabilitation agencies or groups to treat persons who have been victims of crime.
(k) To receive from the state attorney or from the law enforcement agencies involved such investigation and data, including confidential records, as will enable the department to determine if, in fact, a crime was committed or attempted, and the extent, if any, to which the victim or claimant was responsible for his or her own injury or death.
(l) To investigate all claims for awards filed with the department pursuant to this chapter, considering all other available programs providing valid and collectible benefits to the claimant, and to reinvestigate or reopen cases as the department deems appropriate and equitable.
(m) To require the submission of such records as are required and, when necessary, to direct medical examination of the victim or intervenor.
History.—s. 1, ch. 77-452; s. 5, ch. 80-146; s. 3, ch. 85-326; s. 3, ch. 91-23; s. 6, ch. 92-107; s. 1710, ch. 97-102; s. 3, ch. 99-373.
960.065 Eligibility for awards.—
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), the following persons shall be eligible for awards pursuant to this chapter:
(a) A victim.
(b) An intervenor.
(c) A surviving spouse, parent or guardian, sibling, or child of a deceased victim or intervenor.
(d) Any other person who is dependent for his or her principal support upon a deceased victim or intervenor.
(2) Any claim filed by or on behalf of a person who:
(a) Committed or aided in the commission of the crime upon which the claim for compensation was based;
(b) Was engaged in an unlawful activity at the time of the crime upon which the claim for compensation is based, unless the victim was engaged in prostitution as a result of being a victim of human trafficking as described in s. 787.06(3)(b), (d), (f), or (g);
(c) Was in custody or confined, regardless of conviction, in a county or municipal detention facility, a state or federal correctional facility, or a juvenile detention or commitment facility at the time of the crime upon which the claim for compensation is based;
(d) Has been adjudicated as a habitual felony offender, habitual violent offender, or violent career criminal under s. 775.084; or
(e) Has been adjudicated guilty of a forcible felony offense as described in s. 776.08,
is ineligible for an award.
(3) Any claim filed by or on behalf of a person who was in custody or confined, regardless of adjudication, in a county or municipal facility, a state or federal correctional facility, or a juvenile detention, commitment, or assessment facility at the time of the crime upon which the claim is based, who has been adjudicated as a habitual felony offender under s. 775.084, or who has been adjudicated guilty of a forcible felony offense as described in s. 776.08 renders the person ineligible for an award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon a finding by the Crime Victims’ Services Office of the existence of mitigating or special circumstances that would render such a disqualification unjust, an award may be approved. A decision that mitigating or special circumstances do not exist in a case subject to this section does not constitute final agency action subject to review pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57.
(4) Payment may not be made under this chapter if the person who committed the crime upon which the claim is based will receive any direct or indirect financial benefit from such payment, unless such benefit is minimal or inconsequential. Payment may not be denied based on the victim’s familial relationship to the offender or based upon the sharing of a residence by the victim and offender, except to prevent unjust enrichment of the offender.
(5) A person is not ineligible for an award pursuant to paragraph (2)(a), paragraph (2)(b), or paragraph (2)(c) if that person is a victim of sexual exploitation of a child as defined in s. 39.01(77)(g).
History.—s. 1, ch. 77-452; s. 1, ch. 79-297; s. 4, ch. 80-146; s. 2, ch. 85-326; s. 10, ch. 90-211; s. 7, ch. 92-107; s. 1711, ch. 97-102; s. 4, ch. 99-373; s. 34, ch. 2001-64; s. 8, ch. 2012-105; s. 2, ch. 2014-160; s. 61, ch. 2014-224; s. 102, ch. 2015-2; s. 15, ch. 2016-24; s. 79, ch. 2016-241; s. 41, ch. 2017-151; s. 28, ch. 2018-103.
Note.—Former s. 960.04.
960.07 Filing of claims for compensation.—
(1) A claim for compensation may be filed by a person eligible for compensation as provided in s. 960.065 or, if such person is a minor, by his or her parent or guardian or, if the person entitled to make a claim is mentally incompetent, by the person’s guardian or such other individual authorized to administer his or her estate.
(2) Except as provided in subsections (3) and (4), a claim must be filed in accordance with this subsection.
(a)1. A claim arising from a crime occurring before October 1, 2019, must be filed within 1 year after:
a. The occurrence of the crime upon which the claim is based.
b. The death of the victim or intervenor.
c. The death of the victim or intervenor is determined to be the result of a crime, and the crime occurred after June 30, 1994.
2. Upon a showing that a delay in filing a claim under this paragraph occurred because of a delay in the testing of, or a delay in the DNA profile matching from, a sexual assault forensic examination kit or biological material collected as evidence related to a sexual offense, a person who is eligible for compensation under subsection (1) may receive a waiver of any claim filing deadline.
3. For good cause based on reason other than a delay described in subparagraph 2., the department may extend the time for filing a claim under subparagraph 1. for a period not exceeding 2 years after such occurrence.
(b)1. A claim arising from a crime occurring on or after October 1, 2019, must be filed within 3 years after the later of:
a. The occurrence of the crime upon which the claim is based;
b. The death of the victim or intervenor; or
c. The death of the victim or intervenor is determined to be the result of the crime.
2. Upon a showing that a delay in filing a claim under this paragraph occurred because of a delay in the testing of, or a delay in the DNA profile matching from, a sexual assault forensic examination kit or biological material collected as evidence related to a sexual offense, a person who is eligible for compensation under subsection (1) may receive a waiver of any claim filing deadline.
3. For good cause based on a reason other than a delay described in subparagraph 2., the department may extend the time for filing a claim under subparagraph 1. for a period not to exceed 5 years after such occurrence.
(3) The provisions of subsection (2) notwithstanding, if the victim or intervenor was under the age of 18 at the time the crime upon which the claim is based occurred, a claim may be filed in accordance with this subsection.
(a) The victim’s or intervenor’s parent or guardian may file a claim on behalf of the victim or intervenor while the victim or intervenor is less than 18 years of age;
(b) For a claim arising from a crime that occurred before October 1, 2019, when a victim or intervenor who was under the age of 18 at the time the crime occurred reaches the age of 18, the victim or intervenor has 1 year to file a claim; or
(c) For a claim arising from a crime occurring on or after October 1, 2019, when a victim or intervenor who was under the age of 18 at the time the crime occurred reaches the age of 18, the victim or intervenor has 3 years to file a claim.
Upon a showing that a delay in filing a claim occurred because of delay in the testing of, or a delay in the DNA profile matching from, a sexual assault forensic examination kit or biological material collected as evidence related to a sexual offense, a person who is eligible for compensation under this subsection may receive a waiver of any claim filing deadline. For good cause based on any other reason, the department may extend the time period allowed for filing a claim under paragraph (b) for an additional period not to exceed 1 year or under paragraph (c) for an additional period not to exceed 2 years.
(4) The provisions of subsection (2) notwithstanding, a victim of a sexually violent offense as defined in s. 394.912, may file a claim for compensation for counseling or other mental health services within:
(a) One year after the filing of a petition under s. 394.914, to involuntarily civilly commit the individual who perpetrated the sexually violent offense, if the claim arises from a crime committed before October 1, 2019; or
(b) Three years after the filing of a petition under s. 394.914, to involuntarily civilly commit the individual who perpetrated the sexually violent offense, if the claim arises from a crime committed on or after October 1, 2019.
Upon a showing that a delay in filing a claim occurred because of delay in the testing of, or a delay in the DNA profile matching from, a sexual assault forensic examination kit or biological material collected as evidence related to a sexual offense, a person who is eligible for compensation under this subsection may receive a waiver of any claim filing deadline.
(5) Claims may be filed in the Tallahassee office of the department in person or by mail. Any employee of the department receiving a claim for compensation shall, immediately upon receipt of such claim, mail the claim to the department at its office in Tallahassee. In no event and under no circumstances shall the rights of a claimant under this chapter be prejudiced or lost by the failure or delay of the employees of the department in mailing claims to the department in Tallahassee.
(6) Upon filing of a claim pursuant to this chapter, in which there is an identified offender, the department shall promptly notify the state attorney of the circuit wherein the crime is alleged to have occurred. If within 10 days after such notification such state attorney advises the department that a criminal prosecution or delinquency petition is pending upon the same alleged crime and requests that action by the department be deferred, the department shall defer all proceedings under this chapter until such time as a trial verdict or delinquency adjudication has been rendered, and shall so notify such state attorney and claimant. When a trial verdict or delinquency adjudication has been rendered, such state attorney shall promptly notify the department. Nothing in this subsection shall limit the authority of the department to grant emergency awards pursuant to s. 960.12.
(7) The state attorney’s office shall aid claimants in the filing and processing of claims, as may be required.
History.—s. 1, ch. 77-452; s. 7, ch. 80-146; s. 14, ch. 90-211; s. 5, ch. 91-23; s. 8, ch. 92-107; s. 21, ch. 92-287; s. 1, ch. 93-9; s. 10, ch. 94-342; s. 1712, ch. 97-102; s. 80, ch. 2000-139; s. 68, ch. 2019-167; s. 171, ch. 2020-2; s. 1, ch. 2023-303.
960.09 Determination of claims.—
(1) The department shall have authority to allow, deny, controvert, and litigate claims made against it and to delegate to the Crime Victims’ Services Office such authority.
(2) The action of the department or the Crime Victims’ Services Office in allowing, denying, or controverting a claim shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 120.
(3) If the department or the Crime Victims’ Services Office denies or controverts the claim, the right to reimbursement under this chapter shall be barred unless an application for a hearing thereon is filed with the department or the Crime Victims’ Services Office at its office in Tallahassee within 60 days after notice to the claimant of such denial or controversion. When such application for a hearing is filed in a timely manner, the claim shall be referred to a hearing officer designated by the Attorney General for determination by a hearing held pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57.
(4) Any claim pending before the Division of Administrative Hearings but not heard before July 1, 1992, shall be referred to the Department of Legal Affairs for hearing pursuant to subsection (3).
History.—s. 1, ch. 77-452; s. 307, ch. 79-400; s. 9, ch. 80-146; s. 5, ch. 85-326; s. 6, ch. 91-23; s. 25, ch. 91-46; s. 9, ch. 92-107; s. 325, ch. 96-410.
960.12 Emergency awards.—Notwithstanding s. 960.07, if it appears to the department that such claim is one with respect to which an award probably will be made, and that either the claimant is a recipient of benefits under the federal Social Security Act or undue hardship will result to the claimant if immediate payment is not made, the department may make an emergency award to the claimant, pending a final decision in the case, on the following conditions:
(1) The amount of such emergency award may not exceed $1,000;
(2) The amount of such emergency award shall be deducted from any final award made to the claimant; and
(3) The amount of such emergency award which is in excess of the final award, or the full amount of the emergency award if no final award is made, shall be repaid by the claimant to the department.
(4) The claimant has not been adjudicated guilty of a forcible felony, as verified through a criminal history records check performed through the Florida Crime Information Center system pursuant to s. 960.045.
History.—s. 1, ch. 77-452; s. 1, ch. 78-44; s. 10, ch. 80-146; s. 7, ch. 91-23; s. 5, ch. 99-373.
960.13 Awards.—
(1)(a) No award shall be made unless the department finds that:
1. A crime was committed;
2. Such crime directly resulted in personal injury to, psychiatric or psychological injury to, or death of, the victim or intervenor; and
3. Such crime was promptly reported to the proper authorities.
(b) In no case may an award be made when the record shows that such report was made more than:
1. Seventy-two hours after the occurrence of such crime, if the crime occurred before October 1, 2019; or
2. Five days after the occurrence of such crime, if the crime occurred on or after October 1, 2019,
unless the department, for good cause shown, finds the delay to have been justified. The department, upon finding that any claimant or award recipient has not duly cooperated with the state attorney, all law enforcement agencies, and the department, may deny, reduce, or withdraw any award, as the case may be.
(2) Any award shall be granted on an “actual need” basis and shall be provided subsequent to all benefits provided by primary insurance carriers, including, but not limited to, health and accident insurers, workers’ compensation, and automobile accident coverage.
(3) Payment made in accordance with this section shall be considered payment of last resort that follows all other sources.
(4) Any award made pursuant to this chapter shall be made in accordance with the schedule of benefits, degrees of disability, and wage-loss formulas specified in ss. 440.12 and 440.15, excluding subsection (5) of that section.
(5) If there are two or more persons entitled to an award as a result of the death of a person which is the direct result of a crime, the award shall be apportioned among the claimants.
(6) Any award made pursuant to this chapter, except an award for loss of support or catastrophic injury, shall be reduced by the amount of any payments or services received or to be received by the claimant as a result of the injury or death:
(a) From or on behalf of the person who committed the crime; provided, however, that a restitution award ordered by a court to be paid to the claimant by the person who committed the crime shall not reduce any award made pursuant to this chapter unless it appears to the department that the claimant will be unjustly enriched thereby.
(b) From any other public or private source or provider, including, but not limited to, an award of workers’ compensation pursuant to chapter 440.
(c) From agencies mandated by other Florida statutes to provide or pay for services, except as provided in s. 960.28.
(d) From an emergency award under s. 960.12.
(7) In determining the amount of an award, the department shall determine whether, because of his or her conduct, the victim of such crime or the intervenor contributed to the infliction of his or her physical injury or psychiatric or psychological injury or to his or her death, and the department shall reduce the amount of the award or reject the claim altogether, in accordance with such determination. However, the department may disregard for this purpose the contribution of the intervenor to his or her own physical injury or psychiatric or psychological injury or death when the record shows that such contribution was attributed to efforts by an intervenor as set forth in s. 960.03.
(8) If the department finds that the claimant, if not granted assistance pursuant to this chapter to meet the loss of earnings or support or out-of-pocket loss, will not suffer serious financial hardship as a result of the loss of earnings or support and the out-of-pocket loss incurred as a result of the injury, the department shall deny the award. In determining serious financial hardship, the department shall consider all the financial resources of the claimant. Unless a total dependency is established, members of a family are considered to be partially dependent upon a homemaker with whom they reside, without regard to actual earnings.
(9)(a) An award may not exceed:
1. Ten thousand dollars for treatment;
2. Ten thousand dollars for continuing or periodic mental health care of a minor victim whose normal emotional development is adversely affected by being the victim of a crime;
3. A total of $25,000 for all compensable costs; or
4. Fifty thousand dollars when the department makes a written finding that the victim has suffered a catastrophic injury as a direct result of the crime.
(b) The department may adopt rules that establish limits below the amounts set forth in paragraph (a) and establish criteria governing awards for catastrophic injury.
History.—s. 1, ch. 77-452; s. 122, ch. 79-40; s. 308, ch. 79-400; s. 11, ch. 80-146; s. 12, ch. 90-211; s. 8, ch. 91-23; s. 10, ch. 92-107; s. 11, ch. 94-342; s. 3, ch. 96-315; s. 1885, ch. 97-102; s. 6, ch. 99-373; s. 15, ch. 2015-92; s. 69, ch. 2019-167.
960.14 Manner of payment; execution or attachment.—
(1) Any award made under this chapter shall be in accordance with the discretion and direction of the department as to the manner of payment. No award made pursuant to this chapter shall be subject to execution or attachment other than for expenses resulting from the injury or death which is the basis for the claim. In every case providing for compensation to a claimant under this chapter, the department may, if in its opinion the facts and circumstances of the case warrant it, convert the compensation to be paid into a partial or total lump sum without discount. Any eligible bills may be paid by the department directly to affected service providers.
(2) If a claimant owes money to the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund in connection with any other claim as provided for in ss. 938.03, 960.16, and 960.17, the amount owed shall be reduced from any award.
(3) The department may reconsider a claim at any time and modify or rescind previous orders for compensation, based upon a change in circumstances of a victim or intervenor.
(4) Payment made to a service provider will be considered payment in full for the services rendered to the victim by said provider. In the event a provider does not accept the payment as payment in full, then that payment may be made to the claimant.
History.—s. 1, ch. 77-452; s. 309, ch. 79-400; s. 12, ch. 80-146; s. 9, ch. 91-23; s. 12, ch. 94-342; s. 46, ch. 97-271; s. 7, ch. 99-373.
960.15 Records.—Any record or report obtained by the department or a hearing officer that is confidential or exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) shall retain that status and shall not be subject to public disclosure.
History.—s. 1, ch. 77-452; s. 13, ch. 80-146; s. 10, ch. 91-23; s. 26, ch. 91-46; s. 1, ch. 94-93; s. 454, ch. 96-406.
960.16 Subrogation.—Except for an award under s. 960.194, payment of an award pursuant to this chapter shall subrogate the state, to the extent of such payment, to any right of action accruing to the claimant or to the victim or intervenor to recover losses directly or indirectly resulting from the crime with respect to which the award is made. Causes of action which shall be subrogated under this section include, but are not limited to, any claim for compensation under any insurance provision, including an uninsured motorist provision, when such claim seeks to recover losses directly or indirectly resulting from the crime with respect to which the award is made.
History.—s. 1, ch. 77-452; s. 11, ch. 92-107; s. 14, ch. 2017-155.
960.17 Award constitutes debt owed to state.—
(1) Any payment of benefits to, or on behalf of, a victim or other claimant under this chapter creates a debt due and owing to the state by any person found, in a civil, criminal, or juvenile court proceeding in which he or she is a party, to have committed such criminal act. Such payment shall create an obligation of restitution in accordance with s. 775.089.
(2) The court, when placing on probation as provided in chapter 948 any person who owes a debt to the state as a consequence of a criminal act, shall set as a condition of probation the payment of the debt to the state. The court may also set the schedule or amounts of payments, subject to modification based on change of circumstances, unless it finds reasons to the contrary. If the court does not order payment, or orders only partial payment, it shall state on the record the reasons therefor.
(3) The Florida Commission on Offender Review shall make the payment of the debt to the state a condition of parole under chapter 947, unless the commission finds reasons to the contrary. If the commission does not order payment, or orders only partial payment, it shall state on the record the reasons therefor.
(4) Payments authorized under this section shall be remitted to the clerk of the court in the county where the conviction occurred and are to be paid by the clerk of the court to the Department of Revenue for deposit in the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund. Any order of restitution or judgment to the state made by any court pursuant to this section may be enforced by the department in the same manner as a judgment in a civil action or by other enforcement measures administered by the department. The outstanding unpaid amount of the order shall bear interest in accordance with s. 55.03 and shall, when properly recorded, become a lien on real estate owned by the defendant.
History.—s. 1, ch. 77-452; s. 310, ch. 79-400; s. 9, ch. 84-363; s. 65, ch. 88-122; s. 12, ch. 92-107; s. 22, ch. 92-287; s. 13, ch. 94-342; s. 1713, ch. 97-102; s. 26, ch. 2001-122; s. 57, ch. 2014-191.
960.18 Penalty for fraud.—Any person who procures compensation under this chapter by any fraud, or any person who counsels another person to procure compensation under this chapter by any fraud, is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. Any moneys so procured shall be recoverable by the division, including punitive damages and costs of such action plus interest.
History.—s. 1, ch. 77-452; s. 14, ch. 80-146.
960.194 Emergency responder death benefits.—
(1) For the purposes of this section, the term:
(a) “Call for service” means actively performing official duties, including the identification, prevention, or enforcement of the penal, traffic, or highway laws of this state, traveling to the scene of an emergency situation, and performing those functions for which the emergency responder has been trained and certified to perform.
(b) “Emergency responder” means a law enforcement officer, a firefighter, an emergency medical technician, or a paramedic.
(c) “Emergency medical technician” has the same meaning as provided in s. 401.23.
(d) “Firefighter” has the same meaning as provided in s. 633.102.
(e) “Law enforcement officer” has the same meaning as provided in s. 943.10.
(f) “Paramedic” has the same meaning as provided in s. 401.23.
(g) “Surviving family members of an emergency responder” means the surviving spouse, children, parents or guardian, or siblings of a deceased emergency responder.
(2) Notwithstanding ss. 960.065(1) and 960.13, the department may award for any one claim up to a maximum of $50,000, to the surviving family members of an emergency responder who, as a result of a crime, is killed answering a call for service in the line of duty.
(3) In determining the amount of an award, the department shall determine whether, because of his or her conduct, the emergency responder contributed to his or her death, and the department shall reduce the amount of the award or reject the claim altogether, in accordance with such determination. However, the department may disregard the contribution of the emergency responder to his or her own death when the record shows that such contribution was attributed to efforts by the emergency responder acting as an intervenor as defined in s. 960.03.
(4) If there are two or more persons entitled to an award pursuant to this section for the same incident, the award shall be apportioned among the claimants at the discretion and direction of the department.
(5) The department may adopt rules that establish award limits below the amount set forth in subsection (2) and establish criteria governing awards pursuant to this section.
(6) An award pursuant to this section shall be reduced or denied if the department has previously approved or paid out a claim under s. 960.13 to the same claimant regarding the same incident. An award for victim compensation under s. 960.13 shall be denied if the department has previously approved or paid out an emergency responder death benefits claim under this section.
History.—s. 15, ch. 2017-155.
960.195 Awards to elderly persons or disabled adults for property loss.—
(1) Notwithstanding the criteria in s. 960.13, for crime victim compensation awards, the department may award a maximum of $500 on any one claim and a lifetime maximum of $1,000 on all claims to elderly persons or disabled adults who suffer a property loss that causes a substantial diminution in their quality of life when:
(a) There is proof that a criminal or delinquent act was committed;
(b) The criminal or delinquent act is reported to law enforcement authorities within:
1. Seventy-two hours, if such crime or act occurred before October 1, 2019; or
2. Five days, if such crime or act occurred on or after October 1, 2019,
unless the department, for good cause shown, finds the delay to have been justified;
(c) There is proof that the tangible personal property in question belonged to the claimant;
(d) The claimant did not contribute to the criminal or delinquent act;
(e) There is no other source of reimbursement or indemnification available to the claimant; and
(f) The claimant would not be able to replace the tangible personal property in question without incurring a serious financial hardship.
(2) The department may deny, reduce, or withdraw any award under subsection (1) upon finding that any claimant or award recipient has not duly cooperated with the state attorney, all law enforcement agencies, and the department.
History.—s. 4, ch. 96-315; s. 16, ch. 2015-92; s. 70, ch. 2019-167.
960.196 Relocation assistance for victims of human trafficking.—
(1) Notwithstanding the criteria specified in ss. 960.07(2) and 960.13 for crime victim compensation awards, the department may award a one-time payment of up to $1,500 for any one claim and a lifetime maximum of $3,000 to a victim of human trafficking who needs urgent assistance to escape from an unsafe environment directly related to the human trafficking offense.
(2) In order for an award to be granted to a victim for relocation assistance:
(a) There must be proof that a human trafficking offense, as described in s. 787.06(3)(b), (d), (f), or (g), was committed.
(b)1. For a crime occurring before October 1, 2019, the crime must be reported to the proper authorities and the claim must be filed within 1 year, or 2 years with good cause, after the date of the last human trafficking offense, as described in s. 787.06(3)(b), (d), (f), or (g).
2. For a crime occurring on or after October 1, 2019, the crime must be reported to the proper authorities and the claim must be filed within 3 years, or 5 years with good cause, after the date of the last human trafficking offense, as described in s. 787.06(3)(b), (d), (f), or (g).
3. In a case that exceeds the reporting and filing requirement due to an active and ongoing investigation, a state attorney, statewide prosecutor, or federal prosecutor may certify in writing a human trafficking victim’s need to relocate from an unsafe environment due to the threat of future violence which is directly related to the human trafficking offense.
(c) The victim’s need must be certified by a certified domestic violence or rape crisis center in this state, except as provided in paragraph (b). The center’s certification must assert that the victim is cooperating with the proper authorities and must include documentation that the victim has developed a safety plan.
(3) Relocation payments for a human trafficking claim shall be denied if the department has previously approved or paid out a domestic violence or sexual battery relocation claim under s. 960.198 or s. 960.199 to the same victim regarding the same incident.
History.—s. 17, ch. 2015-92; s. 71, ch. 2019-167.
960.197 Assistance to victims of online sexual exploitation and child pornography.—
(1) Notwithstanding the criteria set forth in s. 960.13 for crime victim compensation awards, the department may award compensation for counseling and other mental health services to treat psychological injury or trauma to:
(a) A child younger than 18 years of age who suffers psychiatric or psychological injury as a direct result of online sexual exploitation under any provision of s. 827.071, s. 847.0135, s. 847.0137, or s. 847.0138, and who does not otherwise sustain a personal injury or death; or
(b) Any person who, while younger than age 18, was depicted in any image or movie, regardless of length, of child pornography as defined in s. 847.001, who has been identified by a law enforcement agency or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as an identified victim of child pornography, who suffers psychiatric or psychological injury as a direct result of the crime, and who does not otherwise sustain a personal injury or death.
(2) Compensation under this section is not contingent upon pursuit of a criminal investigation or prosecution.
History.—s. 8, ch. 2008-172.
960.198 Relocation assistance for victims of domestic violence.—
(1) Notwithstanding the criteria set forth in s. 960.13 for crime victim compensation awards, the department may award a one-time payment of up to $1,500 on any one claim and a lifetime maximum of $3,000 to a victim of domestic violence who needs immediate assistance to escape from a domestic violence environment.
(2) In order for an award to be granted to a victim for relocation assistance:
(a) There must be proof that a domestic violence offense was committed;
(b) The domestic violence offense must be reported to the proper authorities;
(c) The victim’s need for assistance must be certified by a certified domestic violence center in this state; and
(d) The center certification must assert that the victim is cooperating with law enforcement officials, if applicable, and must include documentation that the victim has developed a safety plan.
(3) Relocation payments for a domestic violence claim shall be denied if the department has previously approved or paid out a human trafficking or sexual battery relocation claim under s. 960.196 or s. 960.199 to the same victim regarding the same incident.
History.—s. 8, ch. 99-373; s. 4, ch. 2012-155; s. 18, ch. 2015-92.
960.199 Relocation assistance for victims of sexual battery.—
(1) The department may award a one-time payment of up to $1,500 on any one claim and a lifetime maximum of $3,000 to a victim of sexual battery, as defined in s. 794.011, who needs relocation assistance.
(2) In order for an award to be granted to a victim for relocation assistance:
(a) There must be proof that a sexual battery offense was committed.
(b) The sexual battery offense must be reported to the proper authorities.
(c) The victim’s need for assistance must be certified by a certified rape crisis center in this state.
(d) The center’s certification must assert that the victim is cooperating with law enforcement officials, if applicable, and must include documentation that the victim has developed a safety plan.
(e) The act of sexual battery must be committed in the victim’s place of residence or in a location that would lead the victim to reasonably fear for his or her continued safety in the place of residence.
(3) Relocation payments for a sexual battery claim under this section shall be denied if the department has previously approved or paid out a human trafficking or domestic violence relocation claim under s. 960.196 or s. 960.198 to the same victim regarding the same incident.
History.—s. 5, ch. 2012-155; s. 3, ch. 2014-160; s. 19, ch. 2015-92.
960.21 Crimes Compensation Trust Fund.—
(1) There is created a special fund, to be known as the “Crimes Compensation Trust Fund,” for the purpose of providing for the payment of all necessary and proper expenses incurred by the operation of the department and the payment of claims. The department shall administer the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund.
(2) The moneys placed in the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund shall consist of all moneys appropriated by the Legislature for the purpose of compensating the victims of crime and other claimants under this act, and of moneys recovered on behalf of the department by subrogation or other action, recovered through restitution, received from the Federal Government, received from additional court costs, received from fines, or received from any other public or private source.
(3) All administrative costs of this chapter and the service charge provided for in chapter 215 shall be paid out of moneys collected pursuant to this chapter and deposited in the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund.
History.—ss. 1, 7, ch. 77-452; s. 312, ch. 79-400; s. 16, ch. 80-146; s. 27, ch. 83-339; s. 11, ch. 91-23.
960.22 Application for federal funds.—The department is authorized to apply for funds from, and to submit all necessary forms to, any federal agency participating in a cooperative program to compensate victims of crime.
History.—s. 1, ch. 77-452; s. 17, ch. 80-146; s. 13, ch. 91-23.
960.23 Notice of provisions of this chapter.—It shall be the duty of every hospital licensed under the laws of this state to display prominently in the lobby or waiting area of its emergency room posters giving notification of the existence and general provisions of this chapter. The Department of Legal Affairs shall provide posters, application forms, and general information regarding the provisions of this chapter to each hospital licensed to operate in this state and to each law enforcement agency.
History.—s. 1, ch. 77-452; s. 18, ch. 80-146; s. 14, ch. 91-23.
960.28 Payment for victims’ initial forensic physical examinations.—
(1) A medical provider who performs an initial forensic physical examination may not bill a victim or the victim’s parent or guardian if the victim is a minor directly or indirectly for that examination.
(2) The Crime Victims’ Services Office of the department shall pay for medical expenses connected with an initial forensic physical examination of a victim of sexual battery as defined in chapter 794 or a lewd or lascivious offense as defined in chapter 800. Such payment shall be made regardless of whether the victim is covered by health or disability insurance and whether the victim participates in the criminal justice system or cooperates with law enforcement. The payment shall be made only out of moneys allocated to the Crime Victims’ Services Office for the purposes of this section, and the payment may not exceed $1,000 with respect to any violation. The department shall develop and maintain separate protocols for the initial forensic physical examination of adults and children. Payment under this section is limited to medical expenses connected with the initial forensic physical examination, and payment may be made to a medical provider using an examiner qualified under part I of chapter 464, excluding s. 464.003(15); chapter 458; or chapter 459. Payment made to the medical provider by the department shall be considered by the provider as payment in full for the initial forensic physical examination associated with the collection of evidence. The victim may not be required to pay, directly or indirectly, the cost of an initial forensic physical examination performed in accordance with this section.
(3) The department may allow, deny, controvert, or litigate claims made against it under this section.
(4) Information received or maintained by the department identifying an alleged victim who seeks payment of medical expenses under this section is confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1).
(5) A defendant or juvenile offender who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or is convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for, a violation of chapter 794 or chapter 800 shall be ordered by the court to make restitution to the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund in an amount equal to the compensation paid to the medical provider by the Crime Victims’ Services Office for the cost of the initial forensic physical examination. The order may be enforced by the department in the same manner as a judgment in a civil action.
History.—s. 1, ch. 82-192; s. 1, ch. 83-17; s. 194, ch. 83-216; s. 6, ch. 85-326; s. 15, ch. 91-23; s. 14, ch. 92-107; s. 24, ch. 92-287; s. 1, ch. 94-94; s. 15, ch. 94-342; ss. 1, 3, ch. 95-185; s. 455, ch. 96-406; s. 9, ch. 99-373; s. 148, ch. 2000-318; s. 7, ch. 2001-209; s. 4, ch. 2007-129; s. 10, ch. 2010-37; s. 4, ch. 2018-106; s. 72, ch. 2019-167; s. 55, ch. 2021-51.
960.29 Legislative findings and intent.—The Legislature finds that former approaches to the problem of compensating crime victims through restitution have proven inadequate or have been inconsistently applied in many cases. The Legislature also finds that there is an urgent need to alleviate the increasing financial burdens on the state and its local subdivisions caused by the expenses of incarcerating convicted offenders.
(1) To remedy these problems, consistent with the preservation of all citizens’ constitutional rights, the Legislature intends:
(a) To provide a legal mechanism, in the form of a civil restitution lien, that will enable crime victims, the state, and other aggrieved parties to recover damages and losses arising out of criminal acts, imposed against the real and personal property owned by the convicted offender who committed an offense that caused the damages and losses.
(b) To prevent convicted offenders from increasing their assets after conviction, while their crime victims and the state and local subdivisions remain uncompensated for their damages and losses. To further this legislative purpose, the civil restitution lien shall attach not only to the offender’s current assets but also, should these assets fail to satisfy the lien, to any future assets or “windfall” proceeds which may accrue to the defendant, up to the full amount of the lien.
(c) To ensure that the amount of each civil restitution lien equals the amount of the actual damages awarded in the civil action arising from the crime.
(d) To impose a long-term civil liability for the costs of incarceration, by means of the civil restitution lien, against a convicted offender, regardless of the offender’s financial status at the time of conviction.
(2) The Legislature also finds that crime victims, the state, and its local subdivisions are entitled to rough remedial justice and they may demand compensation for damage and losses.
(3) The Legislature declares that:
(a) The intent of the statute is rationally related to the goal of fully compensating crime victims, the state, and its local subdivisions for damages and losses incurred as a result of criminal conduct.
(b) This civil restitution lien act rests upon the principle of remediation and not punishment, which is meted out by criminal sanctions afforded by law.
(4) The Legislature recognizes that, in many individual cases, the liquidated damage amount awarded by the court in a civil action arising from the crime does not fully compensate crime victims for their actual damages and losses. It is the legislative intent that the civil restitution liens authorized in this act assist crime victims to collect the amounts awarded and authorized as actual and liquidated damages and losses a crime victim incurs as a result of a convicted offender’s conduct, and the state and its local subdivisions incur as a result of implementation of a convicted offender’s sentence.
History.—s. 2, ch. 94-342; s. 29, ch. 95-184.
960.291 Definitions.—When used in this act, the term:
(1) “Civil restitution lien” means a lien which exists in favor of crime victims, the state, its local subdivisions, or aggrieved party and which attaches against the real or personal property owned by a convicted offender.
(2) “Convicted offender” means a defendant who has a conviction as defined herein entered against the defendant in the courts of this state.
(3) “Conviction” means a guilty verdict by a jury or judge, or a guilty or nolo contendere plea by a defendant, regardless of adjudication of guilt.
(4) “Crime victim” means the victim of a crime and includes the aggrieved party, the aggrieved party’s estate if the aggrieved party is deceased, and the aggrieved party’s next of kin if the aggrieved party is deceased as a result of the conduct of a convicted offender. For the purposes of this act, the term “crime victim” does not include any person who participated in the criminal conduct or criminal episode resulting in the conviction.
(5) “Damages or losses” includes:
(a) Damage or loss to any crime victim which is caused by the conduct of a convicted offender. This amount shall be determined by the court, as provided for in s. 960.293.
(b) Damage or loss to the state and its local subdivisions which is caused by imposition of a convicted offender’s sentence.
1. Such damage or loss to the state and its local subdivisions includes the costs of incarceration and other correctional costs in connection with the implementation of a state court’s sentence. This cost shall be determined by the court, as provided for in s. 960.293.
2. Such damage or loss to the state shall not include those costs on conviction for which the defendant may be held liable under chapter 939.
(6) “Local subdivisions” means local subdivisions of the State of Florida which maintain correctional facilities, such as counties that maintain county correctional facilities or counties that provide funds directly or indirectly for the maintenance of correctional facilities within the county.
(7) “Real or personal property” includes any real or personal property owned by the convicted offender, or that a person possesses on the convicted offender’s behalf, including, but not limited to, any royalties, commissions, proceeds of sale, or any other thing of value accruing to the convicted offender, or a person on the convicted offender’s behalf. The term “real or personal property” specifically includes any financial settlement or court award payable or accruing to a convicted offender or to a person on behalf of the convicted offender. No civil restitution lien created pursuant to the provisions of this act may be foreclosed on real property which is the convicted offender’s homestead under s. 4, Art. X of the State Constitution.
(8) “Sentence” means the court-imposed sentence of a convicted offender.
History.—s. 3, ch. 94-342; s. 30, ch. 95-184; s. 23, ch. 96-312.
960.292 Enforcement of the civil restitution lien through civil restitution lien order.—The civil restitution lien shall be made enforceable by means of a civil restitution lien order.
(1) Upon conviction, the convicted offender shall incur civil liability for damages and losses to crime victims, the state, its local subdivisions, and aggrieved parties as set forth in s. 960.293. The conviction shall estop the convicted offender from denying the essential allegations of that offense in any subsequent proceedings.
(2) Upon motion by the state, upon petition of the local subdivision, crime victim, or aggrieved party, or on its own motion, the court in which the convicted offender is convicted shall enter civil restitution lien orders in favor of crime victims, the state, its local subdivisions, and other aggrieved parties. The court shall retain continuing jurisdiction over the convicted offender for the sole purpose of entering civil restitution lien orders for the duration of the sentence and up to 5 years from release from incarceration or supervision, whichever occurs later.
(3) The court shall enter separate civil restitution lien orders as appropriate in favor of the crime victims, the state, its local subdivisions, or aggrieved parties. The civil restitution lien order shall include the name of the convicted offender, the case number assigned to the applicable criminal case, and the names and social security numbers of the crime victim, state, its local subdivisions, or aggrieved parties, as appropriate.
History.—s. 4, ch. 94-342; s. 31, ch. 95-184; s. 15, ch. 2009-63.
960.293 Determination of damages and losses.—
(1) In a civil suit for damages filed by a crime victim against a convicted offender, the crime victim is entitled to liquidated damages in an amount equal to the actual damages award.
(2) Upon conviction, a convicted offender is liable to the state and its local subdivisions for damages and losses for incarceration costs and other correctional costs.
(a) If the conviction is for a capital or life felony, the convicted offender is liable for incarceration costs and other correctional costs in the liquidated damage amount of $250,000.
(b) If the conviction is for an offense other than a capital or life felony, a liquidated damage amount of $50 per day of the convicted offender’s sentence shall be assessed against the convicted offender and in favor of the state or its local subdivisions. Damages shall be based upon the length of the sentence imposed by the court at the time of sentencing.
History.—s. 5, ch. 94-342; s. 28, ch. 95-184; s. 16, ch. 2009-63.
960.294 Effect of civil restitution liens.—
(1) PROPERTY SUBJECT TO CIVIL RESTITUTION LIEN.—The civil restitution lien is a lien upon any real or personal property of the convicted offender. If the full amount of the civil restitution lien is not satisfied from the real or personal property owned at the time of conviction, the civil restitution lien also is a lien upon any real or personal property which the convicted offender comes to possess subsequent to conviction, until the full amount of the lien is satisfied.
(2) APPLICABILITY OF ALL JUDGMENT ENFORCEMENT REMEDIES.—A civil restitution lien order may be enforced by the crime victims, the state and its local subdivisions, or other aggrieved parties named in the civil restitution lien order, in the same manner as a judgment in a civil action, including levy against personal property by the sheriffs of this state and foreclosure against nonexempt real property. The provisions of chapter 726 apply to the transfer of the convicted offender’s assets to a third party and all other judgment enforcement remedies that are available by law.
(3) RECORDING OF THE CIVIL RESTITUTION LIEN; LEVY BY SHERIFF.—The civil restitution lien order may be recorded in the public records. No charge may be assessed for the recording of the civil restitution lien order.
(4) DURATION OF THE CIVIL RESTITUTION LIEN.—The civil restitution lien continues for a period of 20 years after the date of entry of the civil restitution lien.
(5) RATE OF INTEREST.—A civil restitution lien under this section bears the rate of interest set forth in s. 55.03, from the date of its entry.
History.—s. 6, ch. 94-342; s. 32, ch. 95-184.
960.295 Civil restitution lien supplemental to other forms of restitution available to lienholder.—
(1) PRESERVATION OF EXISTING RESTITUTION REMEDIES.—The civil restitution lien provided for in this civil restitution lien act is intended to enable crime victims, the state and its local subdivisions, and other aggrieved parties to seek a restitution remedy that is alternative and supplemental to existing statutory and common-law remedies that are available for restitution. The rights of crime victims, the state and its local subdivisions, and other aggrieved parties to seek any existing remedy for restitution, instead of or in addition to seeking a civil restitution lien order under this civil restitution lien act, are preserved.
(2) APPLICABILITY OF OTHER CIVIL REMEDIES; ESTOPPEL AS A LIMITATION UPON ENFORCEMENT.—A civil restitution lien order entered under this civil restitution lien act does not bar any subsequent civil remedy or recovery, but the amount of such restitution must be set off against any subsequent independent civil recovery. Notwithstanding this civil restitution lien act, the crime victim, the state and its local subdivisions, or other aggrieved parties are not precluded from collecting costs on conviction ordered under chapter 939, relating to court costs; moneys awarded under this chapter, relating to victim assistance; moneys awarded by a restitution order under s. 775.089, relating to restitution; proceeds resulting from forfeitures ordered under chapter 895, relating to racketeering offenses and illegal debts; moneys distributed pursuant to a lien placed on the offender’s property under s. 944.512, relating to the state lien on literary and other accounts of crimes; or inmate reimbursements under chapter 946, relating to correctional work programs, except that no duplicate recovery may be made in favor of crime victims, the state and its local subdivisions, and other aggrieved parties.
History.—s. 7, ch. 94-342; s. 33, ch. 95-184.
960.296 Construction and severability.—
(1) This civil restitution lien act supersedes law to the contrary. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the provisions of this civil restitution lien act are controlling over any conflicting law.
(2) If any provision of this civil restitution lien act or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this act are declared severable.
History.—s. 8, ch. 94-342; s. 34, ch. 95-184.
960.297 Authorization for governmental right of restitution for costs of incarceration.—
(1) The state and its local subdivisions, in a separate civil action or as counterclaim in any civil action, may seek recovery of the damages and losses set forth in s. 960.293.
(2) For those convicted offenders convicted before July 1, 1994, the state and its local subdivisions, in a separate civil action or as a counterclaim in any civil action, may seek recovery of the damages and losses set forth in s. 960.293, for the convicted offender’s remaining sentence after July 1, 1994.
(3) Civil actions authorized by this section may be commenced at any time during the offender’s incarceration and up to 5 years after the date of the offender’s release from incarceration or supervision, whichever occurs later.
History.—s. 9, ch. 94-342; s. 35, ch. 95-184; s. 17, ch. 2009-63.
960.298 Priority of liens.—Any liens already in existence at the time the restitution lien is placed shall take precedence over the restitution lien.
History.—s. 23, ch. 94-342.