Failure to Appear (Fla. Stat. 843.15) — Escambia County Jail View Guide
FAILURE TO APPEAR on Escambia County Jail View means the person missed a required court date and was arrested on a capias or warrant. On a misdemeanor case it usually shows as 843.15.1b — F M (first-degree misdemeanor). On a felony case it’s 843.15.1a — T F (third-degree felony). Bond may be no bond or higher than before, because the earlier bond is usually forfeited.
On this page
How it looks on Jail View
[+] 843.15.1b · 2026CT000000 (ESCAMBIA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE) · FAILURE TO APPEAR · F · M · $2500.00 FAILURE TO APPEAR FOR MISDEMEANOR OFFENSE
[+] 843.15.1a · 230000CIR (ESCAMBIA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE) · FAILURE TO APPEAR · T · F · NO BOND FAILURE TO APPEAR FOR FELONY OFFENSE
The case number is usually the original case where the court date was missed. Failure to appear is one of the most common entries on the daily bookings list.
Two different things called “FTA”
- The capias/warrant. When someone misses court, the judge can issue a capias (an arrest order) in the original case. That alone gets the person picked up and booked.
- The separate crime (§843.15). If a person was released on bail or their own recognizance and willfully failed to appear, the State can charge a new offense: - §843.15(1)(a) — on a felony case: third-degree felony (up to 5 years, $5,000). - §843.15(1)(b) — on a misdemeanor case: first-degree misdemeanor (up to 1 year, $1,000).
“Willfully” matters. Proof that the person never got notice, was hospitalized or was in custody elsewhere can be a defense to the new charge.
What happens to the bond
- The original bond is usually forfeited (called estreature) when someone misses court.
- The judge may set a new, higher bond or no bond on the capias.
- If a bondsman posted the original bond, they have a strong reason to find the person. The premium already paid isn’t refunded.
- If cash bond was posted, forfeiture can mean losing it. The Escambia County Clerk says you can file a motion asking the court for relief from a forfeiture before a final order is entered, and the Clerk provides a form motion. Bond refunds
How to deal with an FTA in Escambia County
If the person hasn’t been arrested yet:
- Check the case on the Clerk’s case search and look for a capias or warrant.
- Contact a defense attorney (or the Public Defender if they were already appointed). Attorneys can often file a motion to set aside/withdraw the capias and get a new court date, sometimes without the person being jailed.
- Turning yourself in with a lawyer, on a planned date, usually goes better than being picked up at a traffic stop.
If the person is already in jail:
- They’ll see a judge at first appearance, where bond on the capias can be addressed.
- Bring proof of why the court date was missed (hospital records, proof of custody elsewhere, or a mailing address problem).
Frequently asked questions
Is failure to appear a felony in Florida?
Only when the missed court date was in a felony case. Under Florida Statute 843.15(1)(a) that’s a third-degree felony. Willfully missing court in a misdemeanor case is a first-degree misdemeanor under 843.15(1)(b). Separately, the judge usually issues a capias, and the original bond is often forfeited.
Can you bond out on a failure to appear in Escambia County?
Sometimes. The capias may carry a bond amount, which Escambia County Jail View shows in the BOND column. If it says NO BOND, the person generally waits to see a judge, who can set a new bond. Bonds on failures to appear are often higher than the original bond.
Will I get my bond money back after a failure to appear?
Usually not unless the court sets aside the forfeiture. The Escambia County Clerk says a motion asking for relief can be filed before a final forfeiture order is entered, and the Clerk provides a form. Act quickly, involve the defense attorney, and bring proof of why the date was missed.
General information, not legal advice.
Sources: Fla. Stat. §843.15 · Escambia Clerk – bond refunds FAQ