Escape / Failure to Appear in Florida

2,954
Total Cases
55.8%
Guilty Rate
35.7%
Dismissal Rate
6.1%
Withheld Rate
1 year, 5 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 2,954 Escape / Failure to Appear cases across 25 Florida counties (2023-2025), the statewide guilty rate is 55.8% with a 35.7% dismissal rate. Adjudication was withheld in 6.1% of cases. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 5 months, with an average fine of $221.

35.7% of Escape / Failure to Appear cases in Florida are dismissed — but outcomes vary widely by county. A defense attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.

Ask a Florida attorney — free

Escape / Failure to Appear by County

County Cases Guilty Rate Withheld Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
Martin 987 44.1% 0.5% 55.3% 1 year, 2 months
Okaloosa 428 32.7% 7.7% 54.0% 2.5 months
Pinellas 347 89.0% 8.1% 1.7% 1 year, 11 months
Pasco 330 81.8% 14.8% 0.6% 2.3 years
Hendry 326 25.5% 0.3% 74.2% 2.7 months
Walton 70 81.4% 5.7% 11.4% 1 year, 4 months
Miami-Dade 60 60.0% 25.0% 3.3% 2.2 years
St. Johns 50 48.0% 24.0% 24.0% 2.9 years
Polk 42 85.7% 4.8% 0.0% 3.0 years
Volusia 33 72.7% 12.1% 3.0% 3.8 years
Escambia 31 90.3% 3.2% 3.2% 2.5 years
Duval 30 93.3% 3.3% 0.0% 4.0 years
Hillsborough 29 86.2% 6.9% 3.4% 2.7 years
Seminole 24 70.8% 20.8% 0.0% 3.2 years
Palm Beach 22 77.3% 13.6% 0.0% 3.3 years
Alachua 21 85.7% 14.3% 0.0% 2.0 years
Orange 20 60.0% 20.0% 0.0% 7.9 months
Putnam 20 90.0% 10.0% 0.0% 2.3 years
Marion 16 93.8% 6.2% 0.0% 2.4 years
St. Lucie 16 87.5% 6.2% 6.2% 3.2 years
Broward 12 83.3% 8.3% 8.3% 1 year, 11 months
Collier 10 90.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.0 years
Jackson 10 70.0% 10.0% 20.0% 4.6 years
Okeechobee 10 70.0% 30.0% 0.0% 2.4 years
Sarasota 10 90.0% 0.0% 0.0% 7.4 years

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 1,042 53.2% 39.7% 1 year
2024 971 59.9% 29.7% 1 year, 4 months
2025 917 53.3% 38.5% 1 year, 8 months

Related Florida Statute

§ 843.12 / § 843.15 — Escape / Failure to Appear
Florida Statute § 843.12 / § 843.15 criminalizes escaping from legal custody or confinement and willfully failing to appear in court after being released on bail or recognizance. These offenses encompass fleeing from detention facilities, breaking out of custody, and failing to appear for scheduled court proceedings.

Related Guides

Facing Escape / Failure to Appear Charges?

Get matched with a Florida defense attorney who handles Escape / Failure to Appear cases. Free, confidential, no obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Escape / Failure to Appear in Florida?
The statewide guilty rate for Escape / Failure to Appear is 55.8% based on 2,954 cases from 25 counties (2023-2025).
What is the dismissal rate for Escape / Failure to Appear in Florida?
The statewide dismissal rate for Escape / Failure to Appear is 35.7% across all Florida counties.
How does Escape / Failure to Appear sentencing vary by county?
Sentencing for Escape / Failure to Appear varies significantly by county. Browse the county breakdown table above to compare guilty rates, dismissal rates, and average sentences across all 25 counties.
What does adjudication withheld mean for Escape / Failure to Appear?
Adjudication withheld means the court found sufficient evidence of guilt but chose not to formally convict the defendant. This is unique to Florida and means the charge does not appear as a conviction on the defendant's record, though the arrest record remains. For Escape / Failure to Appear, adjudication is withheld in 6.1% of cases statewide.

Source: FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency · 2,954 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026