Appeal vs. Post-Conviction in Florida
Review Florida appeal vs. post-conviction procedures, issue-specific records, official sources, and attorney or non-attorney support options.
Distinguish record review from collateral review
A direct appeal reviews issues through appellate procedures; post-conviction proceedings have their own grounds and barriers. New evidence or facts outside the original record may require a different route from an issue preserved during trial. An unsuccessful appeal does not itself establish the next remedy.
Florida procedure and this issue
Florida direct review generally concerns the appellate record, while Rule 3.850 collateral proceedings ask whether a qualifying ground supports relief from the judgment or sentence. Rule 3.800(b) addresses certain sentencing-error correction in relation to direct appeal; it is different from the 3.800(a) illegal-sentence route. Rule 3.853 testing likewise does not replace either appeal or a merits motion. Preserve the appellate mandate and earlier post-conviction orders separately. A court’s rejection of a direct appeal does not itself establish that every issue can be presented again as collateral relief.
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.
Was the issue already raised? Is it visible in the existing record? Is the appeal still pending, and has the judgment become final for the procedure being considered?
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
- Notice of appeal
- briefs
- appellate decision and mandate
- trial record
- later evidence
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
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.
Innocence Project of Florida
Provides free legal representation to qualifying innocent prisoners in Florida. Review its case requirements before requesting help.
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 Appeal vs. Post-Conviction
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 notice of appeal, briefs, appellate decision and mandate, trial record, later evidence. 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.