Florida Victim Compensation for Crime Scene Cleanup

Florida's Bureau of Victim Compensation, part of the Office of the Attorney General, can help eligible crime victims with some out-of-pocket costs. Crime scene cleanup is one of them. The points below come from the program's published rules and schedule of benefits.

What the program says about cleanup

• Up to $1,500 for crime scene cleanup, per the Bureau's Schedule of Benefits (effective January 6, 2022) (opens in a new tab).
• It covers removing and disposing of biohazardous or biochemical substances after a violent crime in the victim's home or vehicle (Fla. Admin. Code r. 2A-2.2002).
• The rule says the work must be done by a government-authorized provider within seven days after law enforcement releases the scene. Ask the provider whether it holds the Florida Department of Health biomedical waste permit and transporter registration shown on the trauma scene cleanup provider list (opens in a new tab).
• The program pays only after other sources, such as insurance, have been used.
• The crime generally must be reported to law enforcement within five days (section 960.13, Florida Statutes), and claims are generally due within three years (section 960.07). Exceptions may apply.

What to do

1. Keep an itemized bill from the cleanup provider, plus proof of the dates of service.
2. Ask the provider whether its work and paperwork would meet the program's requirements.
3. Contact the program directly through the Bureau of Victim Compensation (opens in a new tab) page to apply or ask about eligibility.

The Bureau, not us or any provider, decides eligibility and amounts. In October 2026 the Bureau began rulemaking to update its benefits and schedule of benefits, so the amounts above may change. Check the Bureau's current rules before relying on them.

This guide is general information, not legal, insurance, or financial advice. We are a referral service and are not affiliated with any government program or insurer.