The bill amends various sections of the Florida Statutes concerning bail bonds, introducing new definitions and modifying existing regulations. It defines terms such as "virtual office" and "in-person classroom instruction," while reducing the required duration of in-person classroom courses for bail bond agent certification from 120 hours to 80 hours. The bill prohibits virtual bail bond offices and mandates that any monetary component of pretrial release must be met through specified means, such as cash or checks. It also establishes that a revoked surety bond cannot be reinstated without written authorization and requires the clerk of the court to discharge any bond upon revocation of pretrial release without further court order. Additionally, the bill repeals certain requirements for sureties, such as owning real estate and executing affidavits regarding their qualifications.

Further amendments address the forfeiture of bail bonds, stipulating that the court clerk must provide the surety with at least 72 hours' notice before a required appearance, with certain exceptions. The bill introduces a certification process for the clerk to confirm that notice was sent and clarifies that failure to receive notice does not constitute a defense against forfeiture. It also outlines conditions under which a forfeiture may be discharged and establishes a new timeline for applications for remission, extending the period from 2 years to 37 months after forfeiture. The bill mandates that the court must cancel the bond within 10 business days after the conditions of the bond are satisfied or the forfeiture is remitted. Overall, these amendments aim to streamline the bail bond process, enhance accountability, and ensure community safety in pretrial release and detention decisions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 600 Filed: 903.011, 903.046, 903.0471, 903.05, 903.08, 903.09, 903.101, 903.16, 903.17, 903.21, 903.26, 903.27, 903.28, 903.29, 903.36, 648.45
S 600 c1: 903.011, 903.046, 903.0471, 903.05, 903.08, 903.09, 903.101, 903.16, 903.17, 903.21, 903.26, 903.27, 903.28, 903.29, 903.36, 648.45
S 600 c2: 903.011, 903.046, 903.0471, 903.05, 903.08, 903.09, 903.101, 903.16, 903.17, 903.21, 903.26, 903.27, 903.28, 903.29, 903.36
S 600 c3: 903.011, 903.046, 903.0471, 903.05, 903.08, 903.09, 903.101, 903.16, 903.17, 903.21, 903.26, 903.27, 903.28, 903.29, 903.36
S 600 e1: 903.011, 903.046, 903.0471, 903.05, 903.08, 903.09, 903.101, 903.16, 903.17, 903.21, 903.26, 903.27, 903.28, 903.29, 903.36