This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning bail bonds, introducing new definitions and modifying existing regulations. It defines "virtual office" and prohibits such offices for bail bond agents. The terminology is updated from "classroom instruction" to "in-person classroom instruction," and the required duration for basic certification courses for bail bond agents is reduced from 120 hours to 80 hours. The bill also restricts bail bond agents from soliciting certain individuals, such as arrestees and their immediate family members, unless specific conditions are met. Additionally, it mandates that any monetary component of pretrial release must be satisfied through cash or checks, eliminating flexibility in payment methods.

Significant changes include the elimination of the requirement for sureties to own real estate in Florida and the repeal of a section regarding the sufficiency of sureties. Sureties must now justify their suretyship by attaching cash or checks to the bond, which cannot be used for more than one bond. The bill revises bail determination criteria, emphasizing the defendant's past conduct, and establishes new procedures for bond discharge and forfeitures. It also requires sheriffs to remit money or bonds to the clerk pending court action and clarifies conditions for bond forfeiture, including a 72-hour notice requirement to sureties. The legislation aims to streamline the bail bond process while enhancing regulatory oversight and accountability, with an effective date set for 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