Confidential Informants in Florida Criminal Cases: What Tampa Defendants Need to Know

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Florida and a confidential informant (CI) is involved in your case, understanding their role is crucial. Confidential informants can make or break a criminal case, and how their identity and information are handled can directly impact your defense. Learn more from a top rated Tampa Drug Crimes Attorney.

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Rocky Brancato uses decades of major crimes experience to uncover the truth behind informant-based prosecutions. From challenging disclosure issues to exposing unreliable CI information, our firm ensures that your constitutional rights are fully protected.

What Is a Confidential Informant (CI)?

A confidential informant is an individual who provides information to law enforcement in exchange for leniency, payment, or other benefits. CIs are common in undercover operations, drug investigations, and sting operations.

While prosecutors may rely on CI testimony or tips, the law provides protections for defendants—particularly when a fair trial depends on knowing the informant’s identity.

When Does the State Have to Disclose the CI’s Identity?

When the CI Will Testify

Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.220(b)(1)(M), if the State intends to have the informant testify, they must disclose the CI’s name and address to the defense.
In State v. Hassberger, 350 So. 2d 1 (Fla. 1977), the Florida Supreme Court confirmed that disclosure is required when a CI will appear as a witness.

When the CI Will Not Testify

If the CI is not expected to testify, their identity generally remains confidential. However, Florida courts may still require disclosure if withholding the identity would violate due process or prevent a fair defense.
Cases such as State v. Powell, 140 So. 3d 1126 (Fla. 5th DCA 2014) and State v. Burgos, 985 So. 2d 642 (Fla. 2d DCA 2008) demonstrate that courts may compel disclosure when fairness demands it.

When Can You Force Disclosure of the CI’s Identity?

Disclosure can be required even when the CI is not a witness if their participation or knowledge is essential to the defense.

1. The CI Was Directly Involved

If the informant participated in the alleged crime, disclosure is often necessary.
State v. Zamora, 534 So. 2d 864 (Fla. 3d DCA 1988) held that defendants are entitled to know a CI’s identity when they were an active participant.

2. The CI’s Role Supports an Entrapment Defense

If the CI induced or encouraged illegal activity, their testimony may be vital.
Hill v. State, 198 So. 3d 830 (Fla. 2d DCA 2016) and Bailey v. State, 994 So. 2d 1256 (Fla. 2d DCA 2008) both emphasize the importance of disclosure in entrapment cases.

3. The CI’s Testimony Is Key to Identity

Under Roviaro v. United States, 353 U.S. 53 (1957), the government’s privilege to withhold an informant’s identity must yield when disclosure is essential to a fair defense.

What if the CI Was Just a Tipster?

If a CI merely provided a tip that initiated an investigation, disclosure is generally not required.
In State v. Mashke, 577 So. 2d 610 (Fla. 2d DCA 1991) and State v. Devoid, 706 So. 2d 924 (Fla. 2d DCA 1998), courts found that tipsters who played no direct role in the offense do not have to be identified.

However, recent rulings—such as Rivera v. State, 2D2023-2053 (Fla. 2d DCA Nov. 8, 2024)—illustrate that police reliance on a CI’s tip, without sufficient corroboration, can undermine probable cause.

Rachel’s Law and the Regulation of Informants

Rachel’s Law (Fla. Stat. § 914.28) was enacted after the tragic death of Rachel Hoffman to establish statewide standards for using confidential informants.
This law requires law enforcement agencies to implement written policies for recruiting, training, and supervising informants—but it does not require disclosing their identities in court.

Although Rachel’s Law protects informants, it also provides a framework that defense attorneys can analyze for procedural violations.

How The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. Can Help

Attorney Rocky Brancato has over 25 years of experience handling complex criminal cases involving informants and undercover operations. His approach includes:

• Demanding CI Disclosure when the informant’s testimony is vital to your defense.
• Challenging Law Enforcement Procedures that violate disclosure rules or misuse informants.
• Investigating Informant Credibility to uncover bias, coercion, or unreliable information.
• Protecting Constitutional Rights through targeted motion practice and aggressive litigation strategies.

In Joshua v. State, 205 So. 3d 851 (Fla. 4th DCA 2018), the court reaffirmed that defendants must receive disclosure when a CI’s identity is necessary to ensure due process—a standard that guides every CI-based defense we handle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Confidential Informants in Florida

What is the difference between a CI and an undercover officer?

A CI is typically a civilian working with police in exchange for benefits, while an undercover officer is a trained law enforcement agent. This distinction can affect disclosure rights and credibility challenges.

Can the prosecution drop charges instead of revealing a CI’s identity?

Yes. In some cases, prosecutors choose to dismiss charges rather than disclose a highly valuable informant’s identity. This is a key strategic pressure point in CI-related litigation.

What should I do if a CI set me up?

Contact a qualified criminal defense attorney immediately. If you were induced or entrapped by a CI, your attorney may file motions to suppress or dismiss charges based on entrapment or due process violations.

Are CI agreements always legal?

Not always. Some informants operate outside approved procedures or fail to follow their agreements with law enforcement. This can make their information unreliable and potentially inadmissible in court.

Speak with a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If a confidential informant played any role in your criminal case, it is critical to have a defense attorney who understands how to expose weak CI evidence and demand disclosure when necessary.

Call The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. today at (813) 727-7159 to schedule your confidential consultation. Attorney Rocky Brancato will help you understand your rights and develop a defense strategy that protects your freedom.