Bill > S1312

This bill amends Florida statutes to expand the definitions and legal protections related to crimes motivated by prejudice, specifically adding gender as a protected characteristic and providing more comprehensive definitions for existing protected classes. The bill broadens the scope of hate crime legislation by clarifying that crimes can be reclassified to a higher degree if they are motivated in whole or in part by prejudice based on race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, homeless status, advanced age, or mental/physical disability. The reclassification system escalates the severity of the criminal penalty depending on the original offense level, potentially increasing misdemeanors to higher misdemeanors or felonies, and increasing felonies to more serious felony categories. The bill also expands the definition of "victim" to include not just individuals, but also organizations and government entities whose property might be damaged due to prejudice-motivated actions. Additionally, the bill provides a civil cause of action for those who can prove they were coerced, intimidated, or threatened, allowing them to seek treble damages and attorney's fees. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and aim to provide more robust legal protections against bias-motivated crimes.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1312