In Florida, any person arrested for a criminal offense who is under the age of 18 is considered a juvenile. However, even juvenile offenses can be transferred to adult court. Any felony offense allegedly committed by a 16 or 17-year-old person can be transferred to adult court. Even a 14 or 15-year-old child can be charged in adult court for certain offenses such as grand theft auto, robbery, aggravated battery or possession of a weapon on school grounds.
For certain types of felony charges, it is possible for the juvenile's charges to be filed in adult criminal Circuit Court by either: Direct File, Waiver or Indictment. Once the case is transferred to adult court, the minor can be tried and sentenced to adult sanctions, including prison.
Any offenses committed with a firearm under the "10-20-Life" provisions of Florida Law can be transferred to adult court. If the State Attorney's Office files the charges in adult court, then the juvenile is transferred to the county jail to a pod with other juveniles facing similar charges. Once the case is transferred to adult court, the minor is entitled to a bond hearing under the same provisions as an adult with similar charges.
It is possible for a minor found guilty in adult court to be sent back to the Department of Juvenile Justice for the imposition of juvenile programs and sanctions. After a plea or finding of guilt, the Department of Corrections will normally file a report that makes certain recommendations to the Court regarding the child's charges.