Actual Innocence in Florida
Review Florida actual innocence procedures, issue-specific records, official sources, and attorney or non-attorney support options.
Focus on evidence of factual innocence
An actual-innocence inquiry focuses on whether the person committed the offense. A claim that the trial was unfair may be significant, but it does not by itself satisfy an innocence organization’s intake criteria. Identify evidence that can be independently examined.
Florida procedure and this issue
A Florida innocence inquiry should explain what evidence excludes participation or undermines the original identification, not only that errors occurred. Rule 3.853 asks about identifiable physical evidence and why DNA testing could bear on innocence; a witness statement or disclosure claim presents a different record. Innocence Project of Florida makes its own eligibility decisions. The appropriate later relief procedure must be considered even if testing is granted. State rule requirements, prior collateral rulings and federal requirements remain separate; an innocence referral does not automatically stop any filing period.
Check the record and procedural history
Florida distinguishes a Rule 3.850 collateral challenge from Rule 3.800 sentence proceedings and Rule 3.853 DNA testing. The judgment, appellate disposition and prior motions help identify which procedure is relevant. The official rules portal should be checked for the text effective on the filing date; an archived PDF may omit later amendments. A provider’s location does not establish a different filing court or extend a rule-based period.
What evidence points to a different person or contradicts participation? Can it be tested or independently verified? Has it already been evaluated by a court?
Help with documents and court representation
PCRC is a non-attorney legal support and document-preparation service for pro se clients. Attorney advice and court representation are distinct services. Compare the provider type and written scope before engaging help; a featured directory listing does not establish a right to relief.
Records for this issue
- New witness material
- forensic or DNA records
- original exhibits
- investigation reports
- trial testimony
Provider roles for this issue
| Type of help | Typical purpose | Confirm first |
|---|---|---|
| Law firm | Legal advice and court representation | Licensing, case fit, and engagement terms |
| Non-attorney legal support | Document preparation, research, organization | Permitted scope; who signs and files |
| Nonprofit / innocence review | Qualifying case review or legal services | Eligibility, intake, and representation status |
| Official resources | Forms, rules, records, and court contacts | Current version and local requirements |
Listings have no scores or ratings. Listing methodology
Innocence Project of Florida
Provides free legal representation to qualifying innocent prisoners in Florida. Review its case requirements before requesting help.
Post-Conviction Relief Center (PCRC)
Non-attorney legal support and document preparation for people representing themselves. PCRC operates this directory; services do not include attorney representation.
Law Office of David M. Lamos
Attorney office publishing case and record evaluation services for Florida Rule 3.850 post-conviction relief.
Rier Jordan P.A.
Miami firm publishing Florida Rule 3.850 representation and related criminal appellate services.
Florida Criminal Procedure Rules
Current Florida criminal rules published by The Florida Bar, including Rules 3.850, 3.800, and 3.853. Check the listed revision date before using a rule or form.
Florida Association of Legal Document Preparers
Voluntary trade association publishing document-preparer information and proposed business practices. Membership does not establish a member’s post-conviction service scope or authority to provide legal advice.
Related Florida guides
Sources for Actual Innocence
Common questions
Does finding a provider preserve a court deadline?
No. A directory visit, inquiry or service agreement is not itself a court filing. Use the actual judgment and filing history to check the procedure, current requirements and any applicable exception.
What records are useful for this inquiry?
Start with new witness material, forensic or dna records, original exhibits, investigation reports, trial testimony. Include all earlier orders on the same subject rather than sending only a new summary.
PCRC offers non-attorney legal support and document preparation for pro se clients.
Updated October 8, 2026. General information; the appropriate filing, deadline, and relief depend on the case. Provider information is based on linked public pages, not a licensing audit.