Getting a Cash Bond Refund in Escambia County
In Escambia County, a cash bond is refunded by the Clerk of Court when the case closes. Under Florida Statute 903.286, the Clerk first deducts any unpaid court fees, costs and criminal penalties. The rest is mailed to the person who posted the bond, generally within about ten days of the case closing. Questions: 850-595-4150 (felony) or 850-595-4185 (misdemeanor).
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How the refund works
- The case ends — dismissal, acquittal, plea or sentence.
- The Clerk reviews what’s owed in that case: court costs, fees, fines and other penalties.
- Deductions are taken from the bond automatically (§903.286). This applies even if a family member posted the money.
- Any balance is refunded by mail to the depositor, generally within about ten days of the case closing.
Keep your address current. Refunds are mailed to the depositor. If you’ve moved since posting bond, contact the Clerk’s criminal division so the check doesn’t get lost.
Contact the Clerk about a bond refund
Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller — County Criminal Division M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building, 2nd Floor, 190 W. Government Street, Pensacola, FL 32502
- Felony cases: 850-595-4150
- Misdemeanor cases: 850-595-4185
Have the defendant’s name, the case number and the bond receipt ready. Find the case number
When you won’t get the money back
- Surety bonds (through a bondsman): the premium you paid, usually 10%, is never refunded. Collateral is returned by the bondsman once the bond is discharged.
- Forfeiture: if the defendant missed court, the bond can be forfeited (estreated). The Clerk says you can file a motion for relief before a final order is entered, and it provides a form. Act quickly and involve the defense attorney. Failure to appear
- Costs exceed the bond: if fines and costs are more than the bond, nothing is refunded and the defendant may still owe the balance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a bond refund in Escambia County?
The Escambia County Clerk says cash bond refunds are generally mailed within about ten days after the case closes, once any unpaid court fees, costs and criminal penalties have been deducted. If you’ve moved since posting bond, contact the Clerk’s criminal division so the check goes to the right address.
Can the bond be used to pay the defendant’s fines?
Yes. Florida Statute 903.286 requires the Clerk to withhold enough from a cash bond to pay unpaid court fees, court costs and criminal penalties before refunding the rest. This applies even when a relative or friend posted the money, so the refund can be smaller than the amount deposited.
Who gets the bond refund — the defendant or the person who paid?
The refund goes to the depositor, meaning the person who posted the cash bond, by mail. Keep your bond receipt. For questions call the Clerk’s criminal division — 850-595-4150 for felony cases or 850-595-4185 for misdemeanor cases — with the defendant’s name and case number.
Sources: Escambia Clerk – “How do I get my bond money back?” · Fla. Stat. §903.286