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Alachua County

Seizure and Forfeiture of Property in Alachua County, FL

Alachua County is home to the University of Florida and a large student population. Many local forfeiture cases involve cash and vehicles seized during traffic stops on I-75 and US-441, during search warrants near campus, and during drug investigations in and around Gainesville.

Officers often point to a drug-dog “alert,” a large amount of cash, or the way money is packaged to claim a link to narcotics. Officers can seize more than just cash, they can also seize real estate, vehicles, jewelry, cryptocurrency and other digital assets.

If law enforcement in Gainesville or anywhere in Alachua County at the local or state level took your property, the seizure was made under the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act, Sections 932.701–932.706, Florida Statutes.

For the most part under Florida law, forfeiture is civil, not criminal. For that reason, the agency can seize your property even if no one is ever arrested. After a seizure, you should receive a written “Notice of Seizure” describing your right to request an adversarial preliminary hearing (APH). Read the notice carefully,

You have only 15 days to demand an adversarial preliminary hearing (APH). Requesting that hearing is frequently the best way to get the property back.

Attorney for Forfeiture in Alachua County, FL

Our asset forfeiture attorneys represent property owners throughout Alachua County, including Gainesville, Alachua, Newberry, High Springs, Archer, and Hawthorne.

We can file the demand for an APH, negotiate the early release of your property, and litigate the case to a jury if needed. Many cases are handled on a contingency fee, so you pay nothing unless we recover your property.

Call (813) 250-0500.

Agencies That Seize Property for Forfeiture in Alachua County, FL

The following agencies in Alachua County seize property for forfeiture:

  • Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO)
  • Gainesville Police Department (GPD)
  • University of Florida Police Department (UFPD)
  • Alachua Police Department
  • High Springs Police Department
  • Newberry Police Department
  • Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)

Alachua County is served by the Eighth Judicial Circuit. The circuit also covers Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union counties. Civil forfeiture complaints filed by an Alachua County agency are heard in the civil division of the circuit court at the Alachua County Family & Civil Justice Center, 201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601.

Forfeiture Deadlines in Alachua County

The following deadlines apply in forfeiture cases under state law:

  • The Notice of Seizure must be served within 5 working days of the seizure.
  • You have 15 days after the notice to demand an adversarial preliminary hearing by certified mail.
  • The agency must apply for a probable cause determination within 10 business days.
  • The agency must file its forfeiture complaint within 45 days.
  • You have 20 days after being served with the complaint to answer and demand a jury trial.

At the adversarial preliminary hearing, the court decides only whether probable cause supports the seizure. A finding of no probable cause ends the forfeiture and can entitle you to up to $2,000 in attorney fees.

If the case proceeds to trial, you are entitled to a jury. The seizing agency must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the property was used in violation of the Act before it can keep it.

If your money or vehicle was seized anywhere in Alachua County, contact us for a free and confidential consultation.

Call 813-250-0500.

This article was last updated on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.