How to Buy Out Community Service Hours in Orlando: A Lawyer’s Guide

If you’ve been sentenced to community service as part of your probation in Florida, you know that finding the time and an approved location to complete your hours can be a job in itself. The good news is that there are often ways to “buy out” these hours by converting them into a monetary payment or donation.

It’s important to know that you have no legal right to a buyout; you must do the work if that’s what your sentence requires. However, there are several ways we can seek permission to do it differently.

Struggling to Complete Community Service in Central Florida? Let’s explore your options for a buyout. Call my office to discuss the best strategy for your situation. Call John Guidry: (407) 423-1117

The Official Method: Filing a Motion with the Judge

The most common and 100% legal way to buy out your hours is to have your attorney file a motion with the judge. We ask the court for permission to convert your remaining hours into a fine, typically at a rate of $10-$15 per hour.

To be successful, you need to provide the judge with a good reason. A “good reason” isn’t just that it’s difficult to find a place; it’s usually related to a demanding work schedule, health issues, or other significant life circumstances that make completing the hours genuinely impractical.

One way to prove this to the judge is to document every single person you’ve spoken with regarding doing community service at their organization. Have it documented the date & time of your discussion and why they rejected you. Recently, I was retained by a client who was sentenced to hundreds of hours on a child abuse case. The problem was, no organization permits a volunteer worker who was sentenced for child abuse! So, we were able to obtain a buyout from the judge.

The Creative Method: Donating Supplies Instead of Time

This is a fantastic option when it’s available, but you must discuss it with your attorney first to ensure it’s acceptable in your case and with your probation officer.

I have had many clients, particularly those assigned to work at animal shelters, find that the organization needs supplies more than they need labor. The shelter might say, “Look, if you buy us ten large bags of dog food and some kitty litter, we will sign off on 150 hours of your community service.”

I’ve had clients load up their truck, drop off the needed supplies, and get a letter of completion that same day. It’s a “buyout” without a court order—a true win-win for everyone.

The Unofficial Method: Probation Officer Discretion

On rare occasions, a probation officer may allow you to buy out your hours directly with them without a court order. If your probation officer offers this, follow their lead! However, this is not the standard procedure, and you should not expect it.

Navigating the conditions of probation can be tricky. As an attorney who has been helping clients resolve these exact issues in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola County since 1993, I know the different avenues we can pursue to make your sentence more manageable. If you’re having a problem, give my office a call. Let’s see if we can help you out. Take care.

About John Guidry II

John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.

Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.

Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.

When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.