The bill introduces significant amendments to Florida laws concerning offenses against children, particularly focusing on the luring or enticing of minors. It establishes that ignorance or misrepresentation of a victim's age is not a valid defense for these offenses, which are now defined to involve children under the age of 14, as opposed to the previous threshold of under 12. The penalties for such offenses have been escalated, with first-time offenders facing third-degree felony charges and repeat offenders facing second-degree felony charges. Additionally, the bill updates the Criminal Punishment Code to reflect these changes, ensuring that luring or enticing a child is appropriately classified as a third-degree felony.

Moreover, the bill CS/HB 777 broadens its scope to include various criminal offenses, enhancing penalties for crimes such as robbery, carjacking, and drug trafficking. New classifications have been introduced, with certain offenses like "solicitation of motor vehicle accident victims with intent to defraud" and "neglect of a child causing great bodily harm" now classified as second-degree felonies, while more severe crimes, including "trafficking in cocaine," are classified as first-degree felonies. The legislation also addresses the exploitation of vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, and imposes stricter penalties for violations of sexual offender reporting requirements, all aimed at bolstering public safety. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 777 Filed: 787.025
H 777 c1: 787.025, 921.0022
H 777 e1: 787.025