When someone is arrested in Palm Beach County, Florida, the first, and often most stressful, question is simple: “When can I get out?”
Navigating Florida’s bond system can feel overwhelming, especially for professionals, business owners, licensed individuals, or anyone with a reputation and career on the line. Whether it's a bail review, a motion for pre-trial detention, or simply getting clarity on the standard bond schedule, early decisions can dramatically affect the course of your case.
This guide will walk you through:
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How bond is determined in Florida
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When prosecutors file motions for pre-trial detention
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What happens during a bail review
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How recent Florida Supreme Court orders have changed bond schedules
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What you can do immediately to protect your freedom and your future
If you or a loved one is already facing this situation, your next step should be speaking with an experienced Palm Beach criminal defense attorney who can act fast, often before the State does.
What Is Bond in Florida?
Bond (also commonly called bail) is the legal mechanism that allows a person to be released from jail while their case proceeds. Florida recognizes several types of bond:
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ROR (Release on Recognizance): No money required; defendant promises to appear.
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Monetary Bond: Cash, surety, or secured bond.
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Nebbia Hold: Requires proof that bond funds come from legitimate sources.
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Supervised Release (S.O.R.): Non-monetary release with conditions.
Under Florida Statute § 903.011, which outlines the general purposes and requirements of bail, the court must consider factors such as danger to the community, risk of flight, ties to the area, and prior failures to appear.
What Determines the Initial Bond Amount?
In most Florida counties, including Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Martin, and St. Lucie, the initial bond is set according to a standard bond schedule. Officers rely on this when booking an individual, and the judge may modify it at the first appearance hearing.
Under Florida Statute 903.046, Courts look at factors such as:
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Nature and seriousness of the alleged offense
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Defendant’s criminal history
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Ties to the community
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Employment and professional licensing
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Whether the offense involves violence or firearms
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Risk to the public
This is where many professionals get caught off-guard. Even a first-time DUI may lead to complicated conditions. If you are facing a charge like DUI, domestic violence, drug possession, or a white-collar criminal allegation, visit our respective practice-area pages for more guidance.
Florida Supreme Court Orders & Changing Bond Schedules
Over the past several years, the Florida Supreme Court has issued a series of administrative orders modifying county bond schedules. These changes were designed to:
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Standardize bond schedules across the state
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Reduce overcrowding
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Address public safety concerns
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Provide clarity on when ROR vs. monetary bond is appropriate
Many counties, Palm Beach included, have updated their schedules in response. This means that bond amounts today may differ from what clients have seen in years past.
These changes can also impact:
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Which offenses qualify for “no bond”
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Mandatory detention categories (e.g., domestic violence)
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Whether certain firearm or violent-crime offenses allow pretrial release
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How soon a defendant can get back in front of a judge for reconsideration
This is precisely why you need a lawyer who routinely handles first appearance hearings and stays current on these evolving judicial rules.
What Is a Motion for Pre-Trial Detention?
Under Florida Statute § 907.041(5)(c), prosecutors may file a motion for pre-trial detention if they believe a defendant poses a significant danger or risk of flight.
Who Files the Motion?
The State Attorney’s Office, never the judge and never the defense.
When Is It Filed?
Typically within the first 24 hours after arrest, though it may be filed later if new evidence arises.
Why Is It Filed?
The State may seek detention when the defendant is accused of:
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A dangerous or violent crime
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A crime involving the possession or use of a firearm
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A repeat offense or violation of probation
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A serious felony with substantial evidence
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A crime allegedly committed while already on pretrial release
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Any offense where the State argues clear danger to the public
Once filed, the burden shifts to the State to prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that detention is necessary. Without aggressive defense representation, the judge may order no bond, meaning the person remains in jail until the case is resolved. This hearing will be held within 5 days.
If you are facing allegations like violent crimes, sex crimes, or serious DUI accidents, visit our relevant practice areas for more on defense strategies.
What Is a Bail Review?
A bail review hearing, sometimes called a bond reduction hearing, is the defense’s opportunity to demonstrate that the initial bond is:
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Too high
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Unnecessary
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Improperly calculated
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Based on incomplete information
Your Attorney Can Request a Bail Review If:
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New evidence emerges
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The initial bond schedule was misapplied
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You have significant ties to the community
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You are a professional with a clean history
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The bond is financially impossible for you or your family
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The initial judge did not consider all statutory factors
Your lawyer can argue for:
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Reduced monetary bond
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ROR release
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Removal of harsh pretrial conditions
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Elimination of Nebbia holds
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Reconsideration of pretrial detention if it was imposed
Our firm frequently represents professionals and individuals with reputations to protect—people who cannot afford a day longer in custody than necessary.
Learn more on our Bond Hearing and Criminal Defense pages.
7 General Bond Inquiries: What You Should Ask Immediately
Whether you're calling from jail or a family member is calling on your behalf, here’s what you need to know right away:
1. What is the exact charge and corresponding statute?
This tells us whether bond is discretionary or mandatory.
2. Was the State Attorney present at first appearance?
In some counties, the State appears remotely to request detention.
3. Is there a “no bond” status or Nebbia hold?
4. Has a motion for pre-trial detention been filed?
This changes everything.
5. Does the defendant have priors, warrants, or probation?
If you are on Probation, the court can hold you in violation.
6. Has the Florida Supreme Court bond schedule changed for this offense?
7. How quickly can a bail review be set?
In Palm Beach County, this can often happen within 24–48 hours with the right legal strategy.
Visit our What to Do After an Arrest and DUI Defense pages for more immediate steps and guidance.
Why High-Value Clients Choose Our Firm for Bond Hearings
Professionals, executives, licensed individuals, and those with discreet backgrounds cannot risk being held without bond or being saddled with conditions that jeopardize:
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Employment
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Licensure
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Business ownership
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Public reputation
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Immigration status
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Family stability
Our firm moves quickly, leveraging:
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Knowledge of local bond schedules
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Florida Supreme Court administrative orders
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Palm Beach County procedures
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Relationships with local prosecutors
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Immediate filing of motions and supporting evidence
We also explore whether pretrial detention motions were filed improperly or without sufficient “clear and convincing evidence", a frequent issue in fast-moving cases.
If You Need Help With a Bond Hearing, Bail Review, or Pre-Trial Detention - Contact Our Palm Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer
You deserve a defense that is proactive, strategic, and immediate. Whether you're in Palm Beach County, Broward, Miami-Dade, Martin, or St. Lucie County, our firm is ready to step in and protect your freedom.
Contact us online or give our office a call (561) 671-5995 to schedule a confidential consultation now. Your future should not be decided in a rushed first appearance hearing.
