Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: The formal charging document filed by the State Attorney that initiates felony prosecution in Florida. Unlike an indictment (which requires a grand jury), an information is filed solely on the authority of the prosecutor.
Category: Court Process · Statute: Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.140 · Source: Florida Legislature
Information vs. Indictment
- Information — Filed by the State Attorney; used for the vast majority of Florida criminal cases
- Indictment — Issued by a grand jury; required only for capital cases in Florida
What the Information Contains
- Defendant's name and identifying information
- Specific charges (by Florida Statute number)
- Date and location of the alleged offense
- Brief description of the criminal conduct
When Is It Filed?
After arrest, the State Attorney has 21 days (for defendants in custody) or 33 days (for defendants on bail) to file the information. If not filed within this window, the defendant must be released from custody.