How is bond amount decided in Florida?

Two stages, and they work differently.

Before first appearance, Florida uses a uniform statewide bond schedule adopted by the Supreme Court and revised annually. It applies when jail or pretrial release staff release someone before they see a judge. A circuit's chief judge can set local amounts *higher* than the statewide figures without approval, but can only go *lower* with Supreme Court approval.

At first appearance, the judge decides — and the schedule does not bind that decision. This is the part families most often misunderstand. The number showing on the jail website is a default, not a determination, and it can move either way.

What the judge weighs: the nature of the offense, the weight of the evidence, the person's ties to the community, employment, family, length of residence, prior record, any history of failing to appear, and the risk to the community.

Certain offenses carry statutory restrictions that limit what a judge can do.