This bill amends Section 784.046 of the Florida Statutes to enhance legal protections for victims of violence by expanding the definition of "repeat violence" to "repeat or serious violence." This new definition includes two incidents of violence or stalking within six months, one act causing bodily injury, or a death threat against the petitioner. The bill creates a specific cause of action for injunctions related to repeat or serious violence, revising existing provisions for dating and sexual violence. It also outlines procedural requirements for filing petitions, such as providing assistance and simplified forms for unrepresented individuals, waiving filing fees, and allowing for temporary injunctions in cases of immediate danger.

Additionally, the bill establishes a statewide communication system for the electronic transmission of information regarding injunctions among criminal justice agencies, requiring court clerks to transmit copies of injunctions to the sheriff within 24 hours. It mandates that law enforcement assist victims in obtaining medical treatment and informs them of their legal rights. The legislation also introduces a Domestic and Repeat or Serious Violence Injunction Statewide Verification System, enhances penalties for violating protective injunctions, and specifies that individuals with current injunctions for domestic or serious violence are ineligible for firearm licenses. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen legal measures against domestic violence and improve support systems for victims, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 308 Filed: 784.046, 44.407, 61.1825, 119.0714, 394.4597, 394.4598, 741.2901, 741.313, 784.047, 784.048, 790.065, 934.03, 943.05