Florida § 903.21 - Method of surrender; exoneration of obligors.

§ 903.21. Method of surrender; exoneration of obligors.

(1) A surety desiring to surrender a defendant shall deliver a copy of the bond and the defendant to the official who had custody of the defendant at the time bail was taken or to the official into whose custody the defendant would have been placed if she or he had been committed. The official shall take the defendant into custody, as on a commitment, and issue a certificate acknowledging the surrender. (2) When a surety presents the certificate and a copy of the bond to the court having jurisdiction, the court shall order the obligors exonerated and any money or bonds deposited as bail refunded. The surety shall give the state attorney 3 days’ notice of application for an order of exoneration and furnish the state attorney a copy of the certificate and bond. (3)(a) The surety shall be exonerated of liability on the bond if it is determined before breach of the bond that the defendant is in any jail or prison and the surety agrees in writing to pay the costs and expenses incurred in returning the defendant to the jurisdiction of the court. A surety is only responsible for the itemized costs and expenses incurred for the transport of a defendant to whom he or she has a fiduciary duty and is not liable for the costs and expenses incurred in transporting any other defendant. (b) For purposes of this subsection, the term: 1. “Costs and expenses” means the prorated salary of any law enforcement officer or employee of a contracted transportation company as well as the actual expenses of transporting each defendant, which may only consist of mileage, vehicle expenses, meals, and, if necessary, overnight lodging for any law enforcement officer or employee of a contracted transportation company and the defendant. 2. “Jurisdiction” means the county from which the defendant was released on bail.