Bill > H1029

This bill expands Florida's existing laws regarding crimes motivated by prejudice by adding gender as a protected characteristic and providing more comprehensive definitions for various terms. The legislation amends two existing statutes to clarify and broaden the grounds for reclassifying criminal offenses when they are committed with prejudice. Key changes include defining terms like "gender" (as sex assigned at birth), "race" (including hair texture and protective hairstyles), "religion", and "national origin", and expanding the definition of "victim" to include not just individuals but also organizations and government entities whose property might be damaged due to prejudice. The bill specifies that criminal penalties will be reclassified (typically elevated to a more serious degree) if the crime is based "in whole or in part" on the actual or perceived characteristics of the victim. For example, a misdemeanor could be elevated to a higher-degree misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the original offense level. The legislation also provides a civil cause of action for those who can demonstrate they were coerced, intimidated, or threatened, allowing them to seek treble damages and attorney's fees. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and represents a significant expansion of legal protections against bias-motivated crimes in Florida.

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https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1029