Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Florida Statutes Title XLVII. Criminal Procedure and Corrections § 901.21. Search of person arrested

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(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.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Florida Statutes Title XLVII. Criminal Procedure and Corrections § 901.21. Search of person arrested - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xlvii-criminal-procedure-and-corrections/fl-st-sect-901-21/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard