Victims Rights

Rights Granted to Victims of a Crime in the State of Florida

All victims of crime, relatives of minors, and/or homicide victims have a right to be notified prior to an inmate's release from prison. The Department can provide written notification 30-120 days prior to the inmate's release. In the event of a court action that causes an inmate's immediate release, notification is provided as soon as possible, based on the victim's current contact information. Each State Attorney's Office is responsible for providing the most current address of the victim to the Department. The victim or the victims' family should notify the Department in writing, if the victim's address or telephone number changes. Also provided is automated notification if the victim is registered with VINE Service.

• If the inmate is ordered by the court to pay restitution, the Department will collect on the victim's behalf, if the inmate is gainfully employed while incarcerated or under probation supervision.
  
  
• If the victim or the victim's family is receiving unwanted, threatening telephone calls, or correspondence from an inmate in our custody, they should notify our Victim Assistance Office. Pursuant to Florida Statute 836.10, written threats to do specific bodily injury or to kill constitute a second-degree felony in Florida. 
  
  
• Release dates and other general information about an inmate is public record. Victims may request information by writing or calling the Department's Victim Assistance Office listed in this brochure, or by visiting the Department's inmate Network on our public web site. Note: Victim information is kept CONFIDENTIAL per Florida law.
  

If the inmate who committed the crime against you is eligible for Conditional Release Supervision, you may send your input concerning how this crime has affected you and your family, any fears you have of the inmate, and/or any recommendations you may have regarding the release of this inmate. To share your concerns or recommendations, document them in writing and send them to:

Florida Department of Corrections - Release Management RE: Conditional Release Supervision Victim Statement 2601 Blair Stone Road Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500.

Collection of Restitution

To pay court ordered restitution, fines and court costs, some inmates have the opportunity to work at paid employment, either through the Community Work Release Program or PRIDE (Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises). Payments are distributed on a regular basis to victims who are awarded restitution by the court and maintain a current address with the Department.

Community Work Release:

Inmates who work outside the confines of a Community Work Release Center, in private industry, are required to use 10% of their net wages to pay court ordered restitution, fines and court costs. Victims may request notification of an inmate's transfer into a Community Work Release Facility by calling our Release Management Office at (850) 410-4381.

PRIDE:

PRIDE sets aside a portion of their corporate profits to pay court ordered restitution, fines and court costs for inmates who are employed in one of their industries. Payments are based on the number of hours an inmate works in a PRIDE industry and the type of job performed.

Probation:

Offenders are required to pay court ordered restitution, fines and court costs while being supervised by Probation and Parole Services. To obtain additional information and assistance, contact the offender's Probation Officer, or the Probation and Parole Services Office.
The 2004 Florida Statutes

A detailed description of the victims' rights in Florida including details on compensation and victim assistance.