This bill amends section 784.07 of the Florida Statutes to include protections for contractors performing state functions, which are defined as individuals employed by businesses contracted by the state to carry out various duties such as construction and maintenance. The bill introduces a new paragraph (a) that explicitly defines "contractor performing state functions" and reclassifies certain offenses committed against these contractors while they are engaged in their official duties.

Additionally, the bill reclassifies the severity of offenses against contractors performing state functions in a manner similar to those against law enforcement and other specified personnel. For instance, an assault against a contractor would be elevated from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor, while a battery would be escalated from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.