S.C. v. State

S.C., a child, appeals the trial court’s adjudication of delinquency and commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice. Because the trial court erred in departing from the Department’s commitment recommendation, we reverse.

The reasons set forth by the trial court in support of departure must be supported by competent, substantial evidence, and the trial court’s reasoning must refer to the characteristics of the restrictiveness level in relation to the needs of the child. A.G. v. State, 737 So.2d 1244, 1248 (Fla. 5th DCA 1999). Where the trial court’s departure is based on evidence or…