Category: FL-Specific Laws · Statute: F.S. 960 · Source: Florida Legislature
Understanding Victim Compensation Fund in Florida
In Florida, the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund—administered by the Bureau of Victim Compensation under Chapter 960 of the Florida Statutes—serves as a financial lifeline for eligible victims of violent crimes. When an individual suffers physical injury, psychiatric trauma, or death as a direct result of a felony or misdemeanor crime, this state-managed fund can help cover out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance or other sources. Eligible expenses include medical and dental treatment, mental health counseling, lost wages, loss of support, funeral costs, and emergency relocation assistance for victims of domestic violence, sexual battery, or human trafficking.
To qualify for financial assistance, the crime must have occurred in Florida (or to a Florida resident in a state or country without a comparable program), and the victim must fully cooperate with law enforcement authorities. Under Florida Statute Section 960.07, a claim must generally be filed within one year of the crime, though this deadline may be extended to two years for good cause. Crucially, the fund is not funded by taxpayers; instead, it is primarily sustained by court fees, fines, and penalties assessed against convicted criminal defendants across the state.
How the Victim Compensation Fund Affects Bail and Pretrial Release
While the Victim Compensation Fund operates independently of the bail process, Florida judges frequently consider a defendant's potential financial liability to the victim when setting pretrial release conditions. Under Florida's Marsy’s Law, victims have a constitutional right to be heard at bond hearings. If a defendant is released on bail, the court may impose specific supervised conditions, such as stay-away orders, to protect the victim. Furthermore, if the defendant is eventually convicted, the court may order them to pay restitution directly to the state to reimburse the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund for any payouts made to the victim.