Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: Florida law that allows for the involuntary civil commitment of sexually violent predators after they have served their criminal sentence, if they are found to have a mental abnormality that makes them likely to reoffend.
Category: FL-Specific Laws · Statute: F.S. 394.910-394.932 · Source: Florida Legislature
How the Jimmy Ryce Act Works
- Before a sexually violent offender is released from prison, the State Attorney reviews the case
- If criteria are met, a petition for civil commitment is filed
- A trial is held before a judge or jury
- If committed, the person is held at the Florida Civil Commitment Center in Arcadia
- Annual reviews determine if the person can be released
Impact on Bail
The Jimmy Ryce Act does not directly affect bail — it applies after a criminal sentence is served. However, defendants facing charges that could trigger Jimmy Ryce proceedings often face very high bail or no bail due to the severity of the underlying charges.