Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: A court order authorizing law enforcement to search a specific location and seize specific items. Search warrants must be based on probable cause, describe the place to be searched and items to be seized, and be signed by a judge.
Category: Arrest Process · Statute: F.S. 933.01 · Source: Florida Legislature
Florida Statute 933.01"No search warrant shall issue under this chapter or under any other law of this state unless there is probable cause."
Requirements
- Probable cause established by sworn affidavit
- Particularity — Must describe the specific place to be searched
- Items to be seized — Must specify what officers are looking for
- Signed by a neutral judge
Exceptions (Warrantless Searches)
- Consent — The person voluntarily agrees to a search
- Plain view — Contraband visible to the officer
- Search incident to arrest — Immediately surrounding area
- Exigent circumstances — Emergency situations
- Automobile exception — Probable cause to search a vehicle