Step past the gates of a military base, stroll through a national park or walk into a federal courthouse and you’re no longer under Florida law. You’re on federal ground. If you’re arrested there, the legal process changes significantly—who charges you, where you’re tried, and how your case proceeds.
Where arrests commonly happen in Florida
You don’t have to leave the state to land in federal court. Arrests happen every day on federal property across Florida, including:
- Everglades National Park
- Kennedy Space Center
- Orlando International Airport
- VA hospitals
- Federal courthouses
Each site falls under a different federal agency, such as the TSA, U.S. Park Police or Federal Protective Service.
What happens after the arrest
Federal arrests move quickly and follow different rules than state cases. Here’s what usually happens:
- You’re detained by federal officers
- You’re taken to a federal holding facility
- You’re booked, fingerprinted, and processed
- You’re brought before a U.S. Magistrate Judge
- Charges are filed under federal law, not Florida statutes
Bail and pretrial release follow federal rules. You may face stricter conditions or even pretrial detention. Federal prosecutors often have more time and resources, so early legal guidance is key. Speak with a defense attorney who knows how to navigate federal court.
What if you’re accused of breaking a Florida law?
If your alleged offense violates Florida law—but not federal law—the federal government can still charge you. Under the Assimilative Crimes Act (18 U.S.C. § 13), federal courts can apply state law to conduct on federal property when no federal law covers it. That means your case could be heard in federal court using Florida law.
Take federal charges seriously
Federal penalties are often harsher than state ones. Understanding your rights and the system you’re in helps you make informed decisions and ask your legal team the right questions.