Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: The legal process of transferring a person from the state where they were arrested to the state where they are wanted for criminal charges. Florida follows the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act (UCEA) under F.S. Chapter 941.
Category: Warrants · Statute: F.S. 941 (UCEA) · Source: Florida Legislature
Florida Statute Chapter 941 — Uniform Criminal Extradition ActFlorida has adopted the UCEA, which governs the process of returning fugitives to the state that has charged them with a crime.
How Extradition Works
- Defendant is arrested in Florida on an out-of-state warrant
- The demanding state has 30 days to file extradition paperwork with the Governor
- The Governor issues a Governor's Warrant authorizing the transfer
- The defendant can waive extradition (speeds up the process) or fight it
- If extradition is granted, officers from the demanding state transport the defendant
Bail During Extradition
Defendants awaiting extradition may be held without bail or may have bail set by the Florida court. If bail is granted, it only applies to the Florida hold — the out-of-state charges must be resolved separately.