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Florida AMBER Alert

To activate an AMBER alert the following five (5) criteria must be met:

  • The child is under the age of 18
  • Law enforcement has a well-founded belief, based on an active investigation, that a kidnapping has occurred
  • Law enforcement has a well-founded belief, based on an active investigation, that the child is in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury
  • There is a detailed description of the child and or the abductor/vehicle to broadcast the public
  • The law enforcement agency of jurisdiction recommends activation

Activation Process

  • The local law enforcement agency will call the FDLE Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse(MEPIC) at 1-888-356-4774.
  • The FDLE will work in conjunction with the local law enforcement agency of jurisdiction to determine if information is to be broadcast on a regional or statewide basis.
  • The FDLE working in conjunction with the local law enforcement agency of jurisdiction will prepare information for public distribution.
  • The FDLE will ensure that the information is broadcast through the Emergency Alert System, dynamic highway message signs, lottery machines, text message and email through www.missingchildrenalert.com and other resources.

Note: Only law enforcement agencies can request activation of an AMBER Alert. If you would like to report a missing person, please contact your local police department or sheriff’s office first, then contact MEPIC at 1-888-FL MISSING (356-4774).


Available Resources



Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.