Early Release

"If we can help people change their behavior in the community versus in a jail or prison setting, that's the goal"

"Allowing the early release of the most dangerous criminals impacts crime victims and creates a serious public safety risk," said DA Anne Marie Schubert

Officials say the goal of the new rules is to reward inmates who better themselves, including violent offenders

The settlement calls for the release of low- to medium-risk inmates who are within nine months of their release date

If the plan is adopted, the court could release anybody who's spent more than six months behind bars for second, third or fourth degree charges

About another 1,000 inmates nearing the end of their sentences will also be released early in the following weeks through January

Officials are releasing about 2,261 adults, more than the governor's office previously estimated, and 50 juveniles

A state appeals court took the unprecedented step of ordering at least half of the prison's 2,900 inmates transferred or released

It's unclear how many inmates would be released as a result of the order, but it could be in the hundreds

Florida Department of Corrections spokeswoman Michelle Glady said "release dates have not been affected by the ongoing health emergency"

Court rulings, new state laws and policies on imprisonment, and changes in voters' attitudes have all contributed to the reduction