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1. What is restitution?

In addition to any other sentencing, the court may enter a restitution order requiring the defendant to pay the victim(s) of the offense. The State Attorney's Office employs a Victim/Witness staff to offer assistance to the victim. Additional information can be found by calling the State Attorney's Office at 352-341-6670 or by visiting their website State Attorney's Office.

2. When will I get my restitution money?

Restitution payments depend on:
- The amount of financial resources of the defendant
- If the defendant is in prison, he/she will not be able to make payments or will make only small payments;
- Payments may have to be divided among numerous victims, for example, if there are twenty-five victims and the defendant makes a $35 payment, each victim will receive a $1.40 payment toward restitution.

3. How is restitution collected and dispersed?

The Citrus County Clerk of Court and Comptroller's office receives payments from the defendant; per F.S. 28.24(26)(a), there is a $3.50 fee to process each payment. Restitution, ordered by the Court, is not included in a clerk payment agreement, these payments are separate. Payments are disbursed twice a month and either mailed or sent directly via Automated Clearing House (ACH) to the victim.

4. What if restitution payments are not made by the defendant?

If the defendant does not have the financial means to pay restitution, the Court may enter a civil restitution lien against the defendant. Generally, a person cannot be punished for not having the money to pay restitution. The civil restitution lien will attach to the defendant's current assets and any future assets that may accrue to the defendant up to the full amount of the lien, for more information view the Florida Statute 775.089.

The Crimes Compensation Trust Fund (CCTF) assists victim(s) of crime in securing restitution, their location is:
Office of the Attorney General
The Capitol PL-01
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-414-3300

5. How do I set up my payments via ACH (direct deposit)?

For information view the ACH Form (PDF).