Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: A court order issued by a judge authorizing law enforcement to arrest a specific person. An arrest warrant is based on a finding of probable cause that the named individual committed a crime.
Category: Warrants · Statute: F.S. 901.02 · Source: Florida Legislature
Requirements for an Arrest Warrant
- Issued by a neutral magistrate (judge)
- Based on probable cause established by sworn affidavit
- Must name or describe the person to be arrested
- Must describe the offense charged
Arrest Warrant vs. Warrantless Arrest
Florida law allows warrantless arrests for: felonies committed in the officer's presence, misdemeanors committed in the officer's presence, felonies based on probable cause (even without witnessing), and certain domestic violence situations. An arrest warrant is needed when the crime was not witnessed and is not a felony.