This bill amends Florida Statutes to expand the definition of "domestic violence" to include "coercive control" among family or household members, thereby broadening the range of behaviors recognized as domestic violence. It modifies sections 414.0252 and 741.28 to incorporate this new definition, which now covers various forms of physical and psychological abuse. The legislation also emphasizes the criminal nature of domestic violence, mandating that criminal prosecution be prioritized for enforcing compliance with protective injunctions. Additionally, it requires thorough investigations by the State Attorney's Office before a defendant's first court appearance, ensuring that the defendant's history is considered in bail and sentencing decisions.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that child protective investigators create safety plans when there is a present or impending danger to a child, ensuring these plans are specific and sustainable. It establishes that a history of domestic violence creates a rebuttable presumption against shared parental responsibility in custody cases and outlines exemptions for victims from certain legal requirements. The bill also includes provisions for background checks to disqualify individuals with domestic violence histories from specific roles and benefits, mandates continuing education on domestic violence for healthcare professionals, and introduces a surcharge for domestic violence offenses to fund related programs. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance protections for victims and improve accountability for perpetrators while ensuring that safety plans are effectively implemented.

Statutes affected:
S 844 Filed: 414.0252, 741.28, 741.281, 741.283, 741.29