Florida Commission on Offender Review

Release Types

Frequently Asked Questions About Release Types

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Parole

• Who is eligible for parole?

  Currently, all inmates whose crimes were committed prior to October 1, 1983 are eligible for parole consideration.

  In addition:

  (1) any inmate who committed a first degree murder, a felony murder, or the crime of making, possessing, throwing, projecting, placing, or discharging a destructive device (or the attempt of) prior to May 25, 1994;
  (2) any inmate who committed all other capital felonies prior to October 1, 1995;
  (3) any inmate who committed a continuing criminal enterprise (violation of s. 893.20, F.S.) prior to June 17, 1993;
  (4) any inmate who committed a murder of a law enforcement officer (and other specified officers) prior to January 1, 1990;
  (5) any inmate who committed a murder of a justice or judge prior to October 1, 1990;
  (6) any inmate who committed a felony prior to October 1, 1983, or those elected to be sentenced “outside the guidelines” for felonies committed prior to July 1, 1984; and
  (7) any inmate who received a habitual felony offender sentence prior to October 1, 1988 are eligible for parole consideration.

  There are approximately 5,088 inmates who are still eligible for parole consideration and numerous offenders who are still under parole supervision.

• Can a person appear at Commission hearings?

  Yes. Section 286.011, Florida Statutes, provides that all hearings of any board or commission or any state agency in the State of Florida, at which acts are to be taken, are declared to be public hearings, open to the public, and anyone may attend.

  Inmate’s family and friends, attorneys, members of the media (cameras and recording equipment are allowed), victims, and families of victims or any other interested party are entitled to attend. Visitors may speak in support or opposition of Parole and Conditional Medical Releases cases only. If you would like to speak, you must obtain prior written approval from the Chair, and requests to speak should be sent to the Office of the Commission Clerk 4070 Esplanade Way Tallahassee, FL 32399-2450.

• How does the Commission provide for victims?

  The Commission provides victim assistance through its Victims' Services office for all victims and their families desiring or requesting information or help regarding cases in which they are involved. Staff in the Victims' Services office are diligent in their efforts to locate victims of crime and to offer guidance and compassion through the process of providing the Commission input on matters brought before it. The Commission also works in conjunction with Victim Advocates, Law Enforcement, and State Attorneys to further address victims’ issues and concerns. Persons wishing to contact the Commission on victims’ issues should do so at 1-800-435-8286 or (850) 487-3259.

• How are Commission members appointed?

  The Governor and Cabinet appoint members of the Commission on Offender Review from a list of eligible applicants submitted by a Parole Qualifications Committee. The five member Qualifications Committee is appointed by the Governor and Cabinet, and accepts and reviews applications. The Committee submits a list of three eligible applicants, which may include the incumbent if the Committee so decides, without recommendation of its first choice. After the Governor and Cabinet have made their selection, the full Senate must then confirm the chosen applicant.

  Criteria for Commissioners of the Florida Commission on Offender Review