Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: A formal charging document issued by a grand jury finding that there is sufficient evidence to charge the defendant with a crime. In Florida, indictments are typically used for capital felonies and first-degree felonies.
Category: Court Process · Statute: Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.140 · Source: Florida Legislature
FL Rule 3.140 — Indictments and Informations"An indictment upon which a defendant is to be tried shall be found and presented by a grand jury."
Indictment vs. Information
- Indictment — Issued by a grand jury; required for capital cases in Florida
- Information — Filed by the State Attorney; used for most felonies and misdemeanors
Most criminal cases in Florida proceed by information (filed by the prosecutor), not by grand jury indictment. Grand juries are primarily used for capital felonies and cases involving public officials.