Victim Compensation

The State of Florida is committed to assisting innocent victims of violent crime by awarding benefits to those victims who meet the criteria outlined by Florida Statute 960. Victims are encouraged to apply with the Bureau of Victim Compensation, under the Office of the Attorney General, for an eligibility determination. Victim Compensation is designed to be a last form of payment after all other sources are exhausted.

WHO QUALIFIES

Victims who received personal physical, psychiatric or psychological injury as the result of a "crime" as defined by Section 960.03(3), F.S. Statutory exemptions apply for victims who did not sustain a personal physical injury or death.
Survivors of someone who was killed as a result of a felony or misdemeanor crime punishable under federal or state law, including DUI (motor vehicle, boating or aircraft) and hit and run.

IF ALL THE FOLLOWING ARE TRUE ...

The crime was reported to law enforcement within 72 hours or good cause is shown for the delay in reporting.
The claim is filed within one year after the crime date or within two years for good cause.
The victim has fully cooperated with law enforcement, the state attorney's office and the Attorney General's Office.
The victim was not engaged in an unlawful activity.
The victim did not contribute to his or her own injuries.
The victim or claimant was not in custody or confined at the time of the crime.
The victim or claimant has not been adjudicated an habitual felony offender, habitual violent felony offender, or violent career criminal.
The victim or claimant has not been adjudicated guilty of a forcible felony offense.

PERSONS WHO CAN FILE A CLAIM ...

Victim; or
Surviving spouse of a deceased victim; or
Surviving parent of a deceased victim; or
Surviving adult child or sibling of a deceased victim; or
Guardian applying for the following people: a minor child victim, an incompetent person, the surviving minor child of a deceased victim, and the surviving minor sibling of a deceased victim; minors under age 16 who were present at the crime scene and saw or heard the crime incident and who suffered a psychological or psychiatric injury as a result of the crime; or
Relative applying on behalf of a deceased victim when there is no other source for payment of funeral expenses; or
Other person who is dependent for his or her principal support upon a deceased victim.

POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE

Mental Health
Disability
Catastrophic
Property Loss
Loss of Support
Wage Loss
Funeral/Burial Expenses
Domestic Violence Relocation
Medical/Dental (Treatment expenses up to two years from date of crime with consideration for medically documented needs beyond one year.)
Provider payment. (Paid at 66 percent of total bill effective April 1, 2003)

DOCUMENTATION

The claimant has the ultimate responsibility for providing the necessary information and documentation to support eligibility and benefit payment. When the claim is received, the claimant may be asked to provide specific medical and financial information. The claimant should gather materials related to the crime and have them available if requested. When an incomplete claim is received, the department will notify the claimant of the information needed. The claimant then must provide the information within three years from the date of the crime, or the claim will be permanently closed.

NEEDED INFORMATION

A completed and signed victim compensation claim form.
The law enforcement report concerning the crime
Proof of crime-related expenses (for example, itemized bills)
Proof of third-party payments such as insurance, restitution, judgments or settlements.

FILING TIME

Claims must be filed within one year after the date of the crime. When there are cases of ongoing victimization by the same offender, the date of the last incident is considered to be the date of the crime for purposes of filing a claim and meeting the one-year filing time frame. The filing time does not apply to minors who are victims of crimes occurring on or after October 1, 1993. Minors victimized within the designated time frame can apply for benefits up to their 19th birthday. The time for filing may be extended up to one additional year for good cause.