Happens If You Miss a Court Date in Florida?

When you’re out on bond in Florida, showing up for every court date is critical. Missing even one appearance for any reason--even legitimate, unavoidable ones--can quickly escalate legal problems and could involve active arrest warrants, bond forfeitures, and financial loss. At David Stern Bail Bonds, we’ve helped countless clients in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and throughout South Florida resolve missed court situations quickly and responsibly.

Legal Consequences of Missing Court

Missing court is hardly a trivial matter in Florida. It's like missing a doctor's appointment--you can't just call your judge and reschedule for a different date. Failing to appear for a scheduled court date almost always results in the judge issuing a capias, which is an arrest warrant signed by a judge.

How It Affects Your Bail Bond

Unfortunately, being rearrested (for any reason) and/or not going to court are major violations of the terms and conditions for being out on bond(s). Legally, a bail bondsman is within his/her legal rights to revoke or surrender any bail bonds they've previously posted for you. Furthermore, they may charge a surrender slip fee of $75 per surrendered bond. If you miss a court date, you should call your bail bondsman immediately so they can assist and guide you in resolving this matter. By being proactive and contacting your bail bondsman ASAP, they're more willing to stay on your existing bond(s) and help you get a new court date, etc.

However, bail bonds can also be revoked or estreated by the judge when a defendant doesn't show up for court. In this instance, this creates a bond forfeiture for which the bail bondsman or agency is responsible, especially if the defendant is not rearrested within a certain amount of time. In Florida, defendants must be returned to custody within 60 days of his/her bonds being forfeited; otherwise the bail agent or company must submit payment for the full bond amount to the courts within that period.

A woman makes her case before two judges in a courtroom.

What a Bondsman Can (and Can’t) Do to Help

While bail bondsman are not and cannot act as an attorney or give legal advice, they can assist you by filing a legal motion on your behalf. These motions typically request that existing bail bonds for the case remain in tact and request that a new court date be set. Depending on the relationship between your bondsman and judge, your bondsman may be able to get your court date reset by making a phone call, though this is not the norm and is highly unlikely in most situations.

Reinstating a Bond After a Missed Court Date

Your bondsman can often request reinstatement of your bond once you’ve physically appeared in court and explained your absence or filed a legal motion stating as much. The judge may allow the same bond to remain active, saving you from having to pay additional bond premium fees again if the bond(s) must be reposted.

Again, this depends on how quickly you respond and the reason for missing court. That’s why open communication with your bail bondsman is essential.

Local Help for Missed Court Dates in Broward & South Florida

If you’ve missed a court date in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Plantation, Miami, or Palm Beach, David Stern Bail Bonds can help you:

• Navigate your next steps legally and safely

• Communicate with the court or your attorney

• Avoid additional penalties when possible

• Get your bond reinstated quickly

We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because we know emergencies don’t follow court hours.

Need Help After Missing Court? Call David Stern Bail Bonds Now.

Don’t risk arrest or bond forfeiture or unnecessary headaches: Call David Stern Bail Bonds immediately if you’ve missed court or have an active warrant in South Florida. We’ll walk you through every step and help you get back on track so your legal issues don't spiral out of control.

📞 (954) 467-2220

🌐 www.davidsternbailbonds.com