Understanding Bail and Bond in Florida: Key Takeaways While the terms “bail” and “bond” are often used interchangeably, understanding the distinction is important. Bail refers to the full amount set by the court, while a bond is a financial arrangement, typically with a bail bondsman, to meet that bail requirement.
If you can't afford bail, you will remain in jail until your court date, which can range from weeks for minor offenses to months or even years for serious charges. The timeline largely depends on the complexity of the case, the court's schedule, and whether there are any delays in the legal process.
No - if you signed the bond it doesn't matter whether you have a job or not - or whether the bondsman asked you if you did. You are liable as surety on the bond - having a job or not has nothing to do with your liability. Sorry.
Jail Processing (2-12 hours) Once the bail is posted, the jail begins its release process. This involves verifying the bail with the court, completing internal paperwork, and conducting any necessary checks, such as warrant checks in other jurisdictions.
Online bail bonds are available to the person purchasing the online bond. They do not need to be in the bail bondsman's office, Jail, or the same state, for that matter. Our bail bond Agent will process the online bond application and take it to Jail for the release of the accused.
The state of Florida, like the rest of the nation, allows offenders to post bail if they're eligible after their first appearance. The bail amount will be determined by several factors and the defendant will have the option of paying the bail in full or finding a bondsman.
In Florida, when a bail bond is issued, the defendant or their family usually pays a percentage (typically 10%) of the total bail amount to the Florida bail bondsman. This percentage is non-refundable, even if the defendant appears in court and the case is resolved.
And while some will tell you that you can't remain anonymous, the short answer is actually yes, you can. (But with one major consideration.) The Court is going to need a name and person to return the bond to once the court date has been successfully completed.
The defendant can post their own bail or ask a family member or friend to post it. If the defendant uses a bond company, the company may require the defendant to have a co-signer (someone who will help the company find the defendant should they fail to appear).
Another major factor that goes a long way in determining how long you or loved one can stay out of jail on bail is the state where you or your loved one resides. Most of the states in the US, including Florida, have a stay-out-of-jail period that ranges from 90 days to 120 days.