The proposed bill amends Florida Statutes to introduce new criminal penalties for adults who contribute to or induce minors to commit various offenses, particularly serious crimes. It adds a new subsection to section 827.04, establishing penalties for individuals who cause or encourage a child to commit offenses ranging from misdemeanors to capital felonies. Additionally, the bill creates section 827.12, which classifies actions that entice minors to commit violations related to animal cruelty as third-degree felonies. The offense severity ranking chart in section 921.0022 is also amended to increase the severity ranking for fighting or baiting animals and to include the new offenses created by the bill.

Moreover, the bill addresses child abuse related to the impregnation of minors by introducing new legal language under section 827.04(4), which criminalizes the impregnation of a child under 16 by a person 21 or older, replacing previous language in section 827.04(3). It mandates electronic reporting of such abuse to law enforcement and clarifies that health care professionals are exempt from reporting if it interferes with medical services. The bill enhances the admissibility of paternity evidence in sexual offense prosecutions against minors and directs the Department of Children and Families to create programs targeting males over 21 who commit offenses against girls under 16. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1732 c1: 39.201, 90.4025, 382.356, 409.2355, 742.107