Missy’s Law in Florida

Effective July 1, 2026, the Florida Legislature enacted “Missy’s Law,” which provides that the court must remand a person to custody immediately if the person pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or is found guilty of, regardless of adjudication, a dangerous crime, and requires such person remain in custody pending sentencing.

In a report prepared by the Florida Legislature’s Criminal Justice Committee (CJ) explaining CS/CS/HB 445, this new provision applies regardless of whether the person intends to appeal or has filed a notice of appeal.

The provision does not apply if the plea or finding of guilt that required the person to be remanded to custody under the new offense has been:

• vacated;
• reversed on appeal;
• set aside by judgment of acquittal; or
• otherwise nullified.

Missy’s Law also adds “any violation related to computer pornography or child exploitation” as defined in s. 847.0135, F.S., to the list of dangerous crimes, so that a person arrested for such an offense:

• may not be granted nonmonetary pretrial release at a first appearance hearing if the court determines that there is probable cause to believe the person has committed the offense; and
• may be subject to pretrial detention if the court determines the defendant meets specified criteria.

This article was last updated on Friday, May 22, 2026.