FDLE’s DNA Section
In some criminal cases, law enforcement officers collect DNA samples from the person during the investigation, when arrested, or upon conviction. Those samples might be sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for analysis.
FDLE has used DNA technology for more than twenty years to determine possible crime suspects, exonerate the innocent, and help provide answers for the criminal justice system.
In 2021, FDLE’s Biology & DNA Sections received more than 18,000 requests for testing services. FDLE performs biology screening, STR DNA testing, and Y-STR testing. FDLE’s technicians and analysts provided lab reports in less than 85 days on average.
Florida’s DNA Investigative Support Database maintains more than 1.5 million profiles from convicted offenders and felony arrestees.
Attorney for DNA Evidence in Florida
The criminal defense attorneys at Sammis Law Firm represent clients charged with crimes throughout the greater Tampa Bay area. We are familiar with the ways DNA evidence might be used in criminal prosecutions and the legal defenses that might apply.
We also know how to force DNA testing when it might help us get charges dropped, show reasonable doubt in our cases, or even prove our client’s innocence.
Call 813-250-0500 to discuss your case.
Statutes Related to Florida’s DNA Database
Florida’s DNA database was established in 1989 to help law enforcement agencies in the identification and detection of individuals in criminal investigations and the identification and location of missing and unidentified persons.
As authorized under Section 943.325(4), F.S., FDLE administers the statewide DNA database in order to classify, match, and store analyses of DNA and other biological molecules and related data.
The DNA database may contain DNA data obtained from the following types of biological samples:
- those collected at a crime scene;
- samples obtained from “qualifying offenders;”
- samples lawfully obtained during the course of a criminal investigation, including those from deceased victims or deceased suspects;
- samples from unidentified human remains;
- samples from persons reported missing;
- samples voluntarily contributed by relatives of missing persons;
- other samples approved by FDLE under Section 943.325(6), F.S.
Under s. 943.325, F.S., a “qualifying offender” includes both juveniles and adults who are committed to a county jail or who are committed to or under the supervision of the Department of Corrections (DOC) or the Department of Juvenile Justice, and who are:
- convicted of or arrested for committing a felony offense or an attempt to commit a felony offense;
- convicted of specified misdemeanor offenses; or
- in the custody of a law enforcement agency and subject to an immigration detainer.
Under Section. 943.325(7), F.S., a qualifying offender is required to submit a DNA sample for inclusion in the statewide database if that person is:
- arrested or incarcerated in Florida; or
- on probation, community control, parole, conditional release, control release, or any other type of court-ordered supervision.
Under Section 943.325(12)(b), F.S., if a court order fails to order a qualifying offender to submit a DNA sample, a prosecutor may seek an amended order from the sentencing court requiring such an offender to provide such a sample.
Alternatively, FDLE, DOC, a law enforcement agency, or the prosecutor may seek a warrant authorizing the seizure of the qualifying offender for the purpose of securing the required DNA sample. The court must issue such a warrant upon a showing of probable cause.
Additional Resources
FDLE DNA Database – Visit the FDLE website to learn more about when the FDLE DNA Database receives DNA samples from individuals arrested or convicted for offenses as mandated under Section 943.325, Florida Statutes. The agencies that collect DNA samples from qualifying offenders include the Florida Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Sheriff’s Offices, and the authorities at county correctional facilities. According to FDLE, the Florida DNA Database averages over 4,500 DNA hits to unsolved crimes per year.
Florida Administrative Code 11D-6 – Visit the website for the Florida Administrative Code to find out more about FACC 11D-6 which provides definitions and procedures for DNA sample collection.
This article was last updated on Friday, June 19, 2026.
