This bill amends Section 784.046 of the Florida Statutes to broaden the legal framework for obtaining injunctions for protection against violence by replacing the term "repeat violence" with "repeat or serious violence." It defines "repeat or serious violence" to encompass two incidents of violence or stalking, one resulting in bodily injury, or a death threat made by the respondent. The bill allows victims or their guardians to file petitions in circuit court without legal representation and eliminates the bond requirement for seeking an injunction. Additionally, it mandates that court clerks electronically transmit copies of injunctions to law enforcement for prompt service, enhancing the legal protections available to victims of violence in Florida.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a Domestic, Dating, Sexual, and Repeat or Serious Violence Injunction Statewide Verification System within the Department of Law Enforcement to facilitate the electronic transmission of information regarding domestic violence injunctions among criminal justice agencies. It includes provisions for the enforcement of injunction violations through civil or criminal contempt proceedings, requires law enforcement officers to assist victims of dating violence, and specifies that individuals with current injunctions for domestic or serious violence are ineligible for concealed carry licenses. The bill also clarifies that consent for the use of tracking devices can be revoked under certain circumstances, thereby enhancing protections for individuals in potentially harmful situations. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 32 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