Senate

Florida Bill Requires Arrest Before Police Can Seize Money, Property

Police would have to arrest someone before seizing their cars, money, homes or other property under a bill that's going to Gov. Rick Scott's desk.

The House unanimously passed the bill Tuesday after the Senate did the same last week.

The bill (SB 1044) is designed to prevent abuses of the current law, which doesn't require an arrest before property is seized, but rather law enforcement's belief that it was likely used in a crime.

It also provides other protections for citizens, such as requiring law enforcement agencies to pay $1,000 in court fees upon seizing property and put up a $1,500 bond that would go to the property owner if a court decides assets were improperly seized.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us