Florida § 843.15 - Failure of defendant on bail to appear.
Full text of Florida Florida Statutes § 843.15 — Failure of defendant on bail to appear., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 843.15. Failure of defendant on bail to appear.
(1) Whoever, having been released pursuant to chapter 903, willfully fails to appear before any court or judicial officer as required shall incur a forfeiture of any security which was given or pledged for her or his release and, in addition, shall: (a) If she or he was released in connection with a charge of felony or while awaiting sentence or pending review by certiorari after conviction of any offense, be guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, or; (b) If she or he was released in connection with a charge of misdemeanor, be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. (2) Nothing in this section shall interfere with or prevent the exercise by any court of its power to punish for contempt.
Source: official Florida text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida § 843.15
What does Florida Statutes § 843.15 cover?
Section 843.15 ("Failure of defendant on bail to appear.") is part of the Florida Statutes, the codified statutory law of Florida. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Florida § 843.15?
A common citation format is "Florida Statutes § 843.15" (Florida). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Florida law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Florida official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Florida attorney.
How does Florida § 843.15 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Florida can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Florida.