Purple Alert Frequently Asked Questions
When did Florida’s Purple Alert Program begin? Florida’s Purple Alert Plan was established by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on July 1, 2021 with an effective date of July 1, 2022.
[back to top]What is the 2024 Legislative Update to Purple Alerts?Effective July 1, 2024 – Governor Ron DeSantis approved HB 937, amending the Florida Purple Alert Plan to include Local and State Purple Alerts. Please visit the
Purple Alert Criteria Page for details.
[back to top]What are the criteria for the Purple Alert? - The person is 18 years of age or older and does not qualify for a state level Silver Alert.
- Has your investigation determined the missing person:
- Has any combination of the following: an intellectual or developmental disability, brain injury; or another physical, mental, or emotional disability that is not related to substance abuse -and-
- Does not have Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia related disorder?
- Has your law enforcement agency’s investigation concluded that the disappearance poses a credible threat of immediate danger or serious bodily harm to the missing person and they can only be returned to safety through law enforcement intervention?
- Is there a detailed description of the missing person suitable for distribution?
- Is there a detailed description of the vehicle and verified tag number to display on the Florida Department of Transportation dynamic message signs?
- Has your agency entered the missing person into the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC)?
- Does the law enforcement agency of jurisdiction recommend activation?
[back to top]How does the Purple Alert get activated? If someone you know is missing, you should contact your local law enforcement agency immediately. The law enforcement agency will take a report and determine if a Purple Alert is appropriate. If the agency determines that the case meets the criteria for a Purple Alert, they will contact the FDLE Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC). Only law enforcement can request a Purple Alert.
[back to top]How long does a Purple Alert stay activated?The local law enforcement agency will determine the status of the alert, but generally, the alert stays active until the missing person is recovered. If a Purple Alert is activated and the subject is missing in an identified vehicle, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) dynamic message signs will be activated and remain active for a maximum of six (6) hours.
[back to top]What is the role of the public during a Purple Alert?The public can play a key role in the rescue of missing persons with a mental or cognitive impairment. When they hear about a Purple Alert in their area, they should actively make note of the description of the person and any additional information provided. If the public encounters or believes they see the vehicle or the missing person, they should immediately call 911 or *FHP (347) to respond. They should make note of the person’s whereabouts, and, if applicable, the vehicle tag, direction of travel, and location (highway/street, city, and county).
[back to top]What is the role of the media?Media outlets have the option on whether or not to broadcast Purple Alert information. Large audiences can be reached through the media, thereby enhancing everyone’s efforts in safely recovering a cognitively impaired missing person.
[back to top]How can I sign up to receive Purple Alerts?You can
sign up to receive Purple Alerts by subscribing for email or text alerts.
[back to top]What area(s) does the Purple Alert cover?When a Purple Alert is issued, information regarding the case is distributed throughout the state with a focus on the area where the person was last seen.
[back to top]Does a physician have to verify or attest that the person meets the criteria of a Purple Alert?How the local law enforcement agency verifies that the person meets the criteria for the Purple Alert is up to that agency's policies. Families or caregivers of a missing person should inform law enforcement if there is reason to believe that the missing person meets the criteria.
[back to top]How can I file a missing person report?Contact the local law enforcement agency of jurisdiction where the missing person was last seen.
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Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Mark Glass, Commissioner
