After an Arrest in Osceola County: First Appearance and Bond
By Chad M. Seibel, former prosecutor · Last reviewed October 2026
Someone you know was just arrested in Kissimmee. Here is how the first steps work in Osceola County, from the jail to the first court hearing.
This page explains the public court process. It is general information, not legal advice about a specific case. Times, bond amounts and procedures can change, so check the official sources listed at the end of this page or call a lawyer for the current rules.
Where Do People Arrested in Kissimmee Go?
People arrested in Kissimmee and the rest of Osceola County are booked into the Osceola County Jail at 402 Simpson Road, Kissimmee. To find out whether someone is there and whether a bond has been set, search the county's inmate list by name on the Osceola County bond page, or call the jail at 407-742-4444 (Bonds and Dockets: 407-742-4404).
Not everyone is taken to jail. For many non-violent misdemeanors, criminal traffic offenses and ordinance violations, officers in Osceola County are directed to release the person at the scene with a notice to appear, a written promise to come to court on a set date. Domestic violence and certain other charges are excluded. Officers may still book the person in some situations, for example when the person can't be identified, refuses to sign the notice or has no ties to the area. Living outside Osceola and its neighboring counties is one of the factors an officer may weigh.
A notice to appear is a court date, not a warning. Missing it can lead to a warrant, and the Osceola order sets a minimum bond of $2,000 on that warrant. See Failure to Appear.
What Is First Appearance?
First appearance is a short hearing in front of a judge, held within 24 hours of arrest. Florida's rules require that every arrested person who hasn't already been released be brought before a judge within that time.
At the hearing, the judge must:
Tell the person what they are charged with.
Tell them they don't have to say anything, and that what they say can be used against them.
Tell them they have a right to a lawyer, and that one will be appointed if they can't afford one.
Address detention or release conditions. A further hearing may be required.
First appearance is not a trial. Guilt or innocence isn't decided there, and the person generally shouldn't discuss the facts of the case.
When and where are Osceola first appearances held?
On weekdays, Osceola County holds one first appearance session at 1:00 p.m. On weekends and court holidays, the session is around 11:00 a.m., and the Osceola hearings are held by video from the Orange County Booking and Release Center in Orlando, back to back with Orange County's. Judges from both counties rotate. Confirm the hearing location or remote-access arrangements for the particular session. The court can change these times on short notice, so verify that day's schedule on the Osceola Clerk's court docket.
Can family listen to first appearance?
Yes. The Ninth Circuit streams live audio of Osceola first appearances on its initial appearances page. Video streams stopped at the end of 2025.
How Bond Works in Osceola County
Bond is money or a promise that lets a person leave jail while the case goes on, on the condition that they come back to every court date. In Osceola County there are two ways bond gets set.
Before first appearance, from the bond schedule. For eligible charges, a scheduled bond may permit release before first appearance, if the person posts the scheduled amount and agrees to the release conditions. The amount depends on the charge and the applicable schedule. Confirm the current amount and any holds through the county's booking information before arranging payment. Each charge needs its own bond.
At first appearance, by the judge. The judge isn't bound by the schedule and can set a different amount, add conditions or, in limited cases, order the person held.
Do out-of-state visitors pay a higher bond?
Yes, before first appearance. The Ninth Circuit's bond schedule requires double the listed amount from people who don't live in Florida. A judge at first appearance can still set the amount differently.
Which charges have to wait for a judge?
Many people must see a judge before release. This includes people arrested for first- or second-degree felonies, capital or life felonies, domestic violence, burglary, certain sex offenses, and other listed offenses. Criminal history or current supervision, such as being on probation or pretrial release at the time of a felony arrest, can also require a hearing. Florida law also requires that a person arrested for domestic violence be held until brought before the court for bail. Check the person's actual booking and release status. A listed bond amount alone does not mean the person is eligible for immediate release.
How do you pay a bond?
The Osceola County jail does not accept cash for bonds. The county lists online card payment, payment through a licensed bail bond agent and other methods, so confirm the currently accepted methods with the county before paying. Other charges, warrants, holds or court orders may prevent release even after a bond is paid, so confirm all release requirements first. Once everything is paid, the county estimates release processing at roughly four to six hours, and it can take longer. Details and the payment link are on the county's bond page.
What is release on recognizance?
Release on recognizance (ROR) means release without paying money, on a promise to return. Osceola's order lets jail staff release some people on ROR before first appearance if they meet a list of conditions, including living in Osceola or a nearby Central Florida county, having no disqualifying criminal history (such as prior convictions or missed court dates), and scoring low on a pretrial risk assessment. Visitors who live outside the area generally don't meet the residence condition, but a judge at first appearance can still consider release.
What is pretrial release supervision?
For some charges, a person may be released into Osceola's pretrial release program instead of, or in addition to, posting bond. Conditions can include phone check-ins and random drug and alcohol testing. Violating the conditions can lead to the release being revoked.
After Release: What Comes Next
Review all release paperwork and court notices, keep your mailing address current, and confirm upcoming dates through the Clerk or your lawyer. An arraignment date may be sent later by mail, after formal charges are filed. In most misdemeanor cases, the next step is an arraignment, where the charge is formally read and a plea is entered. A lawyer can often file a written plea of not guilty and waive the arraignment, so the person doesn't have to attend that hearing. Release conditions, such as no contact with an alleged victim, start right away and apply until the judge changes them.
If you live outside Florida, ask early whether your case may be handled without returning. See Plea in Absentia in Kissimmee.
Where Court Is Held
Most later criminal proceedings in Osceola County are held at the Judge Jon B. Morgan Osceola County Courthouse, 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741. Check your notice for the location of each hearing.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Security: everyone is searched. Anyone with a weapon or firearm is denied entry.
Parking: free, on the east side of the complex, at street level and in the garage.
Clerk of Court: 2nd floor of the courthouse, 407-742-3500. The Clerk also has a branch office in Poinciana, at 4547 Pleasant Hill Road, for criminal and traffic payments and filings.
Look up a case: use the Clerk's online court records search at courts.osceolaclerk.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until someone sees a judge after an arrest in Kissimmee?
Within 24 hours, unless they were already released on bond or a notice to appear. In Osceola County, weekday first appearances are at 1:00 p.m. and weekend and holiday hearings are around 11:00 a.m. Times can change, so check the Clerk's docket.
Can I bail someone out of the Osceola County jail before first appearance?
For eligible charges, a scheduled bond may permit release before first appearance. Many people must see a judge first, including people arrested for first- or second-degree felonies, domestic violence, burglary and other listed offenses, and some people because of their criminal history or current supervision. People who don't live in Florida pay double the scheduled amount. Check the person's booking and release status before paying.
Can I pay an Osceola bond in cash?
No. The jail doesn't accept cash for bonds. The county lists online card payment and bail agents among the options. Confirm the currently accepted methods with the county before paying.
Does my family member need a lawyer at first appearance?
The judge will tell them they have the right to a lawyer, and will appoint one if they can't afford one. A private lawyer may also attend first appearance and speak on release. Talk with a lawyer about the specific case.
What happens if I miss my court date in Osceola County?
The judge may issue a warrant. For a missed signed notice to appear, the Osceola order sets a minimum bond of $2,000. Contact a lawyer promptly. See Failure to Appear.
Talk With a Former Osceola Prosecutor
From 2013 to 2016, Chad M. Seibel was an Assistant State Attorney in Florida's Ninth Judicial Circuit, which covers Orange and Osceola counties, working mostly in Osceola. If someone you know was just arrested in Kissimmee, call or text 407-846-8008 for a free, confidential consultation. Calls from family members are welcome. From outside the U.S., dial +1 407-846-8008. You can also request a consultation online.
Attorney Chad M. Seibel, Of Counsel at Perez LaSure Law. Office in Kissimmee. Consultations and meetings available throughout Florida by appointment. Hablamos español. Atendemos em Português.
Official sources
Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure (Rules 3.130, 3.132, 3.160)
Section 903.011, Florida Statutes (who must see a judge before release)
Ninth Circuit Administrative Order 07-98-47-27, Osceola County (first appearance, notices to appear, pretrial release)
Ninth Circuit Administrative Order 2022-03-04 (weekend first appearance, bond schedule)