In Florida, the main difference between a state and local warrant is the jurisdiction and the issuing authority.
A state warrant is issued by a state court or a state prosecutor, typically for more serious offenses such as felonies. These warrants allow law enforcement officers to make an arrest anywhere in the state. State warrants may also include out-of-state warrants issued by a judge outside the jurisdiction.
A local warrant, on the other hand, is issued by a local court or a local law enforcement agency, typically for less serious offenses such as misdemeanors. These warrants allow law enforcement officers to make an arrest within the jurisdiction of the issuing agency. Local warrants may include bench warrants, which are issued directly by a judge for failure to appear in court or pay a fine, and probable cause warrants, which are issued by a judge at the request of law enforcement after the judge examines the complaint and submits proof.
In both cases, the warrant must be in writing, set forth substantially the nature of the offense, command the defendant to be arrested and brought before a judge, specify the name of the person or descriptors by which they can be identified with reasonable certainty, indicate the county and date, be signed by a judge, and indicate the bail amount for the offense (if applicable).
Regardless of the type of warrant, it is important to seek legal advice if you know or suspect that there is a warrant out for your arrest in Florida. A criminal defense attorney can help confirm the existence of a warrant, determine the type of warrant, and develop a defense strategy.
