Florida has changed how bail (bond) amounts are set for people who have just been arrested. This rule is to make sure that bail amounts are more consistent across the entire state.

A Bond Schedule is essentially a standard price list for different criminal charge levels to be paid before a person can be released from jail. When someone is arrested for a minor or mid-level crime, they don’t always have to wait to see a judge. Usually, the police or jail staff can release them immediately if they pay a set amount of money (bail).

Before this change, the bond amounts were very different in each county in Florida. This new "Uniform Statewide Bond Schedule," those amounts will be the same everywhere in Florida.

Law Enforcement and jail staff to use when deciding if someone can be released before their first court hearing.

Well, it depends how serious the crime is. The standard bond ranges anywhere as low as $150 to as high as $5,000.

The Judge still has the final say. This list does not tie a judge's hands. Once at the bond hearing, which is supposed to take place within 24 hours of arrest or as soon as possible thereafter, the judge can decide to raise the bail, lower it, or let the person out on their own recognizance (“for free”) based on the specific details of the case, the person’s history and community ties.

Local courts still have the authority to set their own bond criteria and schedule. This Uniform Bond Schedule from the Florida Supreme Court is a starting point, not a required guide for the different courts in Florida to follow.

This new system is set until December 31, 2026.

Have questions or need help getting a friend or loved one out of call? Call me if you need me at 813-808-9088 or fill out the contact form for a consultation.