8 things to know about Florida's Purple Alert program and who was recently added to list

Having someone disappear is hard on families.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement's alert programs are designed to help bring someone safely back home by involving the public's help in the search.

Last week, Purple Alerts were issued for two men from two different locations in Florida.

➤ Find all active alerts here

Here's what you should know about Purple Alerts.

What is a Purple Alert?

Florida’s Purple Alert Plan was added to FDLE's emergency alert system in 2022.

A Florida Purple Alert is used to assist in the location of missing adults suffering from a mental or cognitive disability that is not Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia-related disorder; an intellectual disability or a developmental disability; a brain injury; other physical, mental or emotional disabilities that are not related to substance abuse; or a combination of any of these and whose disappearance poses a credible threat of immediate danger or seriously bodily harm.

The alert notifies the public using email or text alerts throughout the state, with a focus on the area where the person was last seen.

How many active Purple Alerts are there in Florida?

There are seven active Purple Alerts as of June 7. Two of them were issued the same day, June 2, from two different locations.

Another is from March and the remaining are all from 2022.

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How long does someone remain on the Purple Alert list?

A local law enforcement agency determines the status of the alert, but generally, an alert stays active until the missing person is recovered, according to FDLE. If a Purple Alert is activated and the person is missing in an identified vehicle, Department of Transportation road signs will be activated and remain active for up to six hours.

Who was added to the Purple Alert list on June 2?

Luis Burga was last seen in the 3300 block of Monday Terrace in North Port. Burga may have a tattoo on his left arm. He may be traveling in a 2017, orange Mitsubishi Mirage, FL tag number DVVM13. The vehicle may have damage on the front passenger side bumper. Luis may be in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.

Anyone with information about Burga should contact the FDLE or North Port Police Department at 941-429-7300 or call 911.

Pedro Cobos was last seen in the 7900 block of Mandarin Boulevard in Loxahatchee. He was wearing a black T-shirt and beige shorts. Pedro may be carrying a black backpack and a black guitar case.

Anyone with information about Cobos should contact the FDLE or Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office at 561-688-3400 or call 911.

Criteria for a Purple Alert to be issued

Only law enforcement agencies can request activation of a Purple Alert. If you would like to report a missing person, contact your local police department or sheriff’s office first, then contact MEPIC at 1-888-FL MISSING (356-4774).

• The person is 18 years of age or older and does not qualify for a Silver Alert.
•  Has an investigation determined the missing person:
  • Has any combination of the following: an intellectual or developmental disability, brain injury; or another physical, mental, or emotional disability that is not related to substance abuse -and-
  • Does not have Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia related disorder?
• Has a law enforcement agency’s investigation concluded the disappearance poses a credible threat of immediate danger or serious bodily harm to the missing person and they can only be returned to safety through law enforcement intervention?
• Is there a detailed description of the missing person suitable for distribution?
• Has your agency entered the missing person into the Florida Crime Information Center?
• Does the agency recommend activation?

What are the different color alerts in Florida?

• Amber alert: The purpose of the Amber Alert is to broadcast critical information of an abducted child as quickly as possible to the media and general public
• Missing Child Alerts: This program helps provide law enforcement with a tool to quickly disseminate information when a child is missing and believed to be in life-threatening danger, but there is no indication that the child has been abducted.
• Purple Alerts: The Florida Purple Alert is used to assist in the location of missing adults suffering from a mental or cognitive disability
• Silver Alerts: Florida Silver Alert is used to locate missing persons suffering from an irreversible deterioration of intellectual faculties.
• Blue Alerts: A Florida Blue Alert is designed to notify the public of critical information when a law enforcement officer is killed, suffered serious bodily injury, or is missing while in the line of duty and the suspect, who is considered to pose an imminent threat to the public, is still at large.

What's the difference between a Silver Alert and a Purple Alert in Florida?

The Florida Silver Alert is used to locate missing persons 60 or older suffering from an irreversible deterioration of intellectual faculties, such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The Florida Silver Alert Plan outlines two levels of Silver Alert activation: local and state. 

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The Florida Purple Alert is used to locate missing people who have an intellectual or developmental disability that is not Alzheimer's disease or a dementia-related disorder.

How do you receive a Purple Alert?

You can sign up to receive Purple Alerts by subscribing for email or text alerts.