(1) The lowest permissible sentence provided by calculations from the total sentence points pursuant to s. 921.0024(2) is assumed to be the lowest appropriate sentence for the offender being sentenced. A departure sentence is prohibited unless there are mitigating circumstances or factors present as provided in s. 921.0026 which reasonably justify a departure.
(2) A sentence that decreases an offender’s sentence below the lowest permissible sentence is a departure sentence and must be accompanied by a written statement by the sentencing court delineating the reasons for the departure, filed within 7 days after the date of sentencing. A written transcription of reasons stated orally at sentencing for departure from the lowest permissible sentence is permissible if it is filed by the court within 7 days after the date of sentencing.
(3) Any offender who is sentenced to a departure sentence or any offender who is subject to a minimum mandatory sentence must have the departure sentence and any minimum mandatory sentence so noted on the sentencing scoresheet.
History.—s. 9, ch. 98-204.
Structure Florida Statutes
Title XLVII - Criminal Procedure and Corrections
921.0017 - Credit Upon Recommitment of Offender Serving Split Sentence.
921.002 - The Criminal Punishment Code.
921.0022 - Criminal Punishment Code; Offense Severity Ranking Chart.
921.0023 - Criminal Punishment Code; Ranking Unlisted Felony Offenses.
921.0024 - Criminal Punishment Code; Worksheet Computations; Scoresheets.
921.00241 - Prison Diversion Program.
921.0025 - Adoption and Implementation of Revised Sentencing Scoresheets.
921.0026 - Mitigating Circumstances.
921.00265 - Recommended Sentences; Departure Sentences; Mandatory Minimum Sentences.
921.0027 - Criminal Punishment Code and Revisions; Applicability.
921.09 - Fees of Physicians Who Determine Sanity at Time of Sentence.
921.12 - Fees of Physicians When Pregnancy Is Alleged as Cause for Not Pronouncing Sentence.
921.137 - Imposition of the Death Sentence Upon an Intellectually Disabled Defendant Prohibited.
921.15 - Stay of Execution of Sentence to Fine; Bond and Proceedings.
921.16 - When Sentences to Be Concurrent and When Consecutive.
921.18 - Sentence for Indeterminate Period for Noncapital Felony.
921.185 - Sentence; Restitution a Mitigation in Certain Crimes.
921.186 - Substantial Assistance.
921.187 - Disposition and Sentencing; Alternatives; Restitution.
921.188 - Placement of Certain State Inmates in Local Detention Facilities.
921.20 - Classification Summary; Florida Commission on Offender Review.
921.21 - Progress Reports to Florida Commission on Offender Review.
921.22 - Determination of Exact Period of Imprisonment by Florida Commission on Offender Review.
921.231 - Presentence Investigation Reports.
921.241 - Felony Judgments; Fingerprints Required in Record.
921.242 - Subsequent Offenses Under Chapter 796; Method of Proof Applicable.
921.243 - Offenses Involving Minor Victims; Offender Records.