The bill amends Section 903.286 of the Florida Statutes to change the requirements regarding the withholding of funds from the return of cash bonds posted by criminal defendants or their spouses. It specifies that the clerk of the court must withhold sufficient funds to cover any unpaid costs related to prosecution, representation, court fees, and criminal penalties from cash bonds posted by the defendant or their spouse, rather than only from bonds posted by third parties. Additionally, the bill mandates that all cash bond forms must prominently display a notice in bold font, detailing that all funds are subject to forfeiture and that the clerk is authorized to withhold funds for specified payments.

The bill also introduces a requirement for the notice on cash bond forms to include specific statements regarding the withholding of funds, ensuring that defendants and their spouses are fully informed of the potential financial obligations associated with cash bonds. The effective date for this legislation is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1396 Filed: 903.286