Rule 3.853 DNA Testing in Florida
Review Florida rule 3.853 dna testing procedures, issue-specific records, official sources, and attorney or non-attorney support options.
Identify the evidence before requesting DNA testing
Florida Rule 3.853 provides a sworn-motion procedure for post-conviction DNA testing under sections 925.11 and 925.12. The motion concerns identifiable physical evidence, its location, previous testing and how the proposed result would exonerate the movant or mitigate the sentence. Begin with the exhibit inventory and original lab reports rather than a general request to test anything from the case. If the item cannot be identified or located, that uncertainty needs to remain visible in the record.
What the procedure asks you to distinguish
Explain whether testing never occurred or whether developments could produce useful information from an earlier inconclusive result. Keep chain-of-custody records and distinguish the person who collected an item from the agency presently storing it. The reason the result could matter depends on the prosecution’s actual evidence and theory, not merely on the existence of DNA technology. Preserve previous testing requests and rulings so a new request accurately explains what changed.
Limits and related routes
Rule 3.853(d) allows the testing motion at any time after the judgment and sentence become final; this is different from Rule 3.850’s general collateral-motion period. An order for testing is not itself a judgment vacating the conviction. Results may require a separate relief analysis under the applicable Florida procedure. Innocence Project of Florida is another possible eligibility-based resource, not an automatic court remedy. The rule also requires service on the prosecuting authority and describes rehearing and appeal procedures after a ruling.
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
- Physical-evidence inventory and present custodian
- Original and later laboratory reports
- Chain-of-custody documents
- Explanation of how the proposed result relates to innocence
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 Rule 3.853 DNA Testing
Common questions
What should be assembled before looking for help?
Bring physical-evidence inventory and present custodian, original and later laboratory reports, chain-of-custody documents, explanation of how the proposed result relates to innocence. Keep previous filings and orders alongside the new materials so the procedural history stays visible.
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.