Maybe you found out during a background check. Maybe an officer showed up at your door. However you learned about it, seeing that there’s a warrant out in your name is a shock. Whether it stems from a missed court date, a misunderstanding, or a criminal investigation, it raises the same question, how long does a warrant last in Florida?
In Florida, warrants don't simply go away. Some expire under certain conditions, but many stay active for years or even indefinitely. Knowing what type of warrant was issued and what it means for your situation is the first step in taking action.
If you live in or around West Palm Beach or have concerns about a warrant issued in Palm Beach County or elsewhere in South Florida, here’s what you should know.
The lifespan of a warrant often depends on the kind of warrant that was issued. In Florida, law enforcement agencies may issue several types:
Each type has different rules, timelines, and consequences depending on the nature of the case and whether it involves local, state, or federal court.
While most warrants don’t expire, the crime behind the warrant might. Florida law sets time limits for prosecuting certain crimes, known as statutes of limitations. For example, many misdemeanors must be prosecuted within two years, and most felonies within three to four years under Florida Statutes § 775.15. But even if the statute runs out, the warrant can remain active until formally dismissed by a court.
That means if you have an arrest warrant tied to an older charge, such as a reckless driving charge or a drug crime from years ago, it may still be active today. And law enforcement databases across counties and even across states can surface that information at any time.
Ignoring a warrant doesn't make it go away. It increases the chances that:
If a warrant is tied to violent crimes, domestic violence, or federal crimes, the stakes are even higher. Waiting increases the risk of a surprise arrest, especially in high-surveillance areas like West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, or Fort Lauderdale.
You can check for an outstanding warrant through:
Keep in mind that public databases may not reflect warrants that are under seal or recently issued. A qualified criminal attorney with in-depth knowledge of Florida criminal law can often find out more than what’s online.
Yes, but it depends on the type of warrant and the underlying charges.
A dedicated West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney may be able to file a motion to withdraw the warrant. In many cases, showing that you didn’t intentionally miss court or that you’re ready to cooperate can work in your favor. For more serious charges, such as first degree murder, sexual battery, or white collar crime, you may need to appear in court and negotiate through your legal representation.
In some cases, your defense lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea agreement that replaces arrest with a court appearance or reduces the charge before trial.
Warrants issued through federal court rarely expire. In fact, the U.S. Marshals Service may be tasked with locating and arresting you, regardless of how old the charge is. These may include:
Federal warrants can follow you across state lines and into other legal jurisdictions, and resolving them often requires a criminal defense attorney with experience in state and federal courts.
Start by talking to a criminal defense lawyer who regularly handles criminal defense cases in the West Palm Beach Florida area. You need someone who can:
Some people think they can wait out a criminal case or avoid dealing with it altogether. But bench and arrest warrants can linger on your criminal record, making it harder to get a job, apply for housing, or support a family member in court.
Whether you’re facing a reckless driving allegation or accusations of a sex crime, ignoring the warrant puts you at greater risk of a guilty verdict or even jail time.
In Palm Beach County and across South Florida, law enforcement agencies take warrants seriously. Prosecutors do, too. They’re trained to build cases based on your silence or delay in responding.
A criminal defense law firm with a proven record of challenging weak or flawed arrests can make the difference between a quick arrest and a thoughtful resolution. You don’t need a massive legal team, but you do need someone who has a proven track record of standing up in court and building strategic defenses.
That could mean showing the prosecutor's case is missing key evidence. It could mean using legal procedure to suppress unlawful stops or searches. Or it could mean negotiating a plea bargain that protects your freedom and limits damage to your reputation.
Looking online for “criminal defense lawyers near me” will give you a long list of names. But when your future is on the line, you need more than a name. You need someone who actually listens. You can’t afford to guess what might happen next. Whether you just learned about a warrant or have been living with the stress of it for a while, it’s time to take back control.
Ronald S. Chapman has spent more than 30 years defending people in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and the surrounding Palm Beach County area. He doesn’t hand your case off to someone else. You’ll speak directly with Mr. Chapman, and he’ll look closely at the circumstances behind the warrant. He knows what the law allows, how law enforcement agencies operate, and what it takes to confront the prosecution's case head-on.
To speak with someone who knows the local courts and will take your situation seriously, call (561) 832-4348 or fill out our confidential online form to schedule an appointment. Don't wait until the police are at your door. We’re open 24/7.
Copyright © 2025. Ronald S. Chapman, P.A. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Ronald S. Chapman, P.A.
400 Clematis St., Suite 206
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 832-4348
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