Florida Statutes
Chapter 901 - Arrests and Temporary Detentions
901.21 - Search of Person Arrested.


(1) When a lawful arrest is effected, a peace officer may search the person arrested and the area within the person’s immediate presence for the purpose of:
(a) Protecting the officer from attack;
(b) Preventing the person from escaping; or
(c) Discovering the fruits of a crime.

(2) A peace officer making a lawful search without a warrant may seize all instruments, articles, or things discovered on the person arrested or within the person’s immediate control, the seizure of which is reasonably necessary for the purpose of:
(a) Protecting the officer from attack;
(b) Preventing the escape of the arrested person; or
(c) Assuring subsequent lawful custody of the fruits of a crime or of the articles used in the commission of a crime.

History.—s. 21, ch. 19554, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 8663(21); s. 10, ch. 70-339.

Structure Florida Statutes

Florida Statutes

Title XLVII - Criminal Procedure and Corrections

Chapter 901 - Arrests and Temporary Detentions

901.01 - Judicial Officers Have Committing Authority.

901.02 - Issuance of Arrest Warrants.

901.04 - Direction and Execution of Warrant.

901.07 - Admission to Bail When Arrest Occurs in Another County.

901.08 - Issue of Warrant When Offense Triable in Another County.

901.09 - When Summons Shall Be Issued.

901.10 - How Summons Served.

901.11 - Effect of Not Answering Summons.

901.12 - Summons Against Corporation.

901.14 - Effect of Failure by Corporation to Answer Summons.

901.15 - When Arrest by Officer Without Warrant Is Lawful.

901.1503 - When Notice to Appear by Officer Without Warrant Is Lawful.

901.1505 - Federal Law Enforcement Officers; Powers.

901.151 - Stop and Frisk Law.

901.16 - Method of Arrest by Officer by a Warrant.

901.17 - Method of Arrest by Officer Without Warrant.

901.18 - Officer May Summon Assistance.

901.19 - Right of Officer to Break Into Building.

901.20 - Use of Force to Effect Release of Person Making Arrest Detained in Building.

901.21 - Search of Person Arrested.

901.211 - Strip Searches of Persons Arrested; Body Cavity Search.

901.215 - Search of Person Arrested for Identifying Device Indicating a Medical Disability.

901.22 - Arrest After Escape or Rescue.

901.24 - Right of Person Arrested to Consult Attorney.

901.245 - Interpreter Services for Deaf Persons.

901.25 - Fresh Pursuit; Arrest Outside Jurisdiction.

901.252 - Authority to Patrol Municipally Owned or Leased Property and Facilities Outside Municipal Limits; Taking Into Custody Outside Territorial Jurisdiction.

901.26 - Arrest and Detention of Foreign Nationals.

901.28 - Notice to Appear for Misdemeanors or Violations of Municipal or County Ordinances; Effect on Authority to Conduct Search.

901.29 - Authorization to Take Person to Medical Facility.

901.31 - Failure to Obey Written Promise to Appear.

901.35 - Financial Responsibility for Medical Expenses.

901.36 - Prohibition Against Giving False Name or False Identification by Person Arrested or Lawfully Detained; Penalties; Court Orders.

901.41 - Prearrest Diversion Programs.

901.43 - Dissemination of Arrest Booking Photographs.