Warrants & Failure to Appear

Can I get a missed court date reset?

Attorney-Reviewed Answer
Reviewed by Christopher Walsh, Criminal Trial Attorney (Fla. Bar #127459). Last reviewed: September 2026
Short Answer
Often yes, particularly with a legitimate documented reason and prompt action.

Possibly. Courts routinely recall warrants and reset hearings where the failure is explained and the person comes forward.

What supports it: documentation of the reason, no prior failures to appear, prompt action, and counsel filing a proper motion rather than the person simply showing up unannounced.

What works against it: a pattern of missed dates, a lengthy delay before addressing it, or a serious underlying charge.

Practical point on notice. Court dates are frequently mailed, and people move. If your address changed and notice went to the old one, that's a real explanation — but it's stronger if you can show when you moved and that you'd notified someone. Keeping your address current with the clerk and with counsel prevents this entirely.

Whether you appear in person to address it, or counsel handles it, depends on the circuit and the charge.

Keep your address current with the clerk. It prevents most of these. ---

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This page answers a common question for general informational purposes and is not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is formed by reading it. Florida law changes; while this answer is reviewed by a licensed Florida attorney, the right answer depends on the specific facts of your situation — consult an attorney. Serving Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties.