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Quick answer
Chapter 2026-155, Laws of Florida, the “Victim Safety in Pretrial Release Act,” took effect on October 1, 2026. It created section 903.0472. A person on pretrial release after an arrest for one of the listed violent offenses, who willfully violates a court’s no-contact order, commits a first-degree misdemeanor. A second or later violation is a third-degree felony. A person arrested for the violation is held until first appearance.
What changed
Chapter 2026-155, Laws of Florida (Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for House Bill 397):
- created section 903.0472, Florida Statutes, a new offense; and
- added a subsection to section 901.15 that lets an officer arrest without a warrant when there is probable cause to believe a person has committed that offense.
Effective date
October 1, 2026. The Governor approved the act on June 16, 2026.
Who is affected
A person who is on pretrial release, with a no-contact order under section 903.047, Florida Statutes, after an arrest for any of these offenses:
- murder or manslaughter;
- assault, aggravated assault, battery, or aggravated battery;
- stalking or aggravated stalking;
- kidnapping or false imprisonment;
- sexual battery, or a lewd or lascivious offense involving a person under 16;
- robbery;
- written or electronic threats to kill or do bodily injury; or
- any other felony that involves the use or threat of physical force or violence against an individual.
The previous rule
- Section 903.0472 did not exist. The act created it.
- A separate offense already existed, and still exists, for domestic violence cases: under section 741.29, a person who willfully violates a condition of pretrial release after an arrest for an act of domestic violence commits a first-degree misdemeanor and is held until first appearance.
The new rule
- The offense. Willfully violating a no-contact condition of pretrial release that was imposed after an arrest for a listed offense is a first-degree misdemeanor.
- A second or later violation is a third-degree felony.
- Custody. A person arrested for the violation must be held until first appearance. So must a person who is on pretrial release for a listed offense and is arrested for a new crime.
- What the judge considers. At that hearing the judge decides whether to order pretrial detention or to grant release with conditions. The statute tells the court to prioritize the safety of the victim and the public and to consider, along with the usual bail factors, the nature and severity of the underlying offense, the person’s history of complying with court orders, and any evidence of intent to intimidate, harass, or harm any person.
What a no-contact order covers
Section 903.047 says an order of no contact takes effect immediately and lasts for the length of pretrial release unless the court modifies it. The person must be told in writing what is prohibited before being released. Unless the court says otherwise, “no contact” includes communicating with the victim in any form, directly or through another person. Only the court can change the order.
Related guides
See bail, bond, and release in Pinellas County, what happens at first appearance in Florida, and domestic violence charges in Florida.
Official resources and sources
- Chapter 2026-155, Laws of Florida — the text of the act, Florida Department of State
- Section 903.0472, Florida Statutes — violations of pretrial release for specified crimes
- Section 903.047, Florida Statutes — conditions of pretrial release; orders of no contact
- Section 741.29, Florida Statutes — domestic violence; violation of pretrial release conditions
- Section 901.15, Florida Statutes — when arrest without a warrant is lawful
