The bill amends Florida statutes concerning domestic violence and protective injunctions, introducing significant changes to enhance legal protections for victims. It defines "military protective order" and reclassifies penalties for domestic violence offenses based on prior convictions, imposing harsher penalties for repeat offenders. The bill also stipulates that sentencing and incentive gain-time eligibility will be determined without considering penalty enhancements, except for felony battery convictions. Additionally, it establishes two electronic monitoring pilot programs in specific counties, allowing courts to mandate electronic monitoring for individuals convicted of domestic violence-related offenses, with oversight from local sheriff's offices and the Department of Corrections.

Moreover, the bill expands the definition of respondents in domestic violence cases to include individuals who have cohabited with the petitioner or share a child, and emphasizes the documentation of previous protection attempts. It creates a Domestic, Dating, Sexual, and Repeat Violence Injunction Statewide Verification System to improve communication among law enforcement regarding injunctions. Key financial support for victims is also increased, with relocation assistance rising from $1,500 to $2,500 for one-time payments and from $3,000 to $5,000 for lifetime maximums. The bill further escalates penalties for violating injunctions, making it a felony for repeat offenders, and requires law enforcement to notify relevant agencies of suspected violations of both domestic violence injunctions and military protective orders. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 277 Filed: 365.171, 741.281, 741.283, 784.047, 960.198, 921.0024, 943.0584, 943.171
H 277 c1: 741.281, 741.31, 960.198, 921.0024, 943.0584, 943.171
H 277 c2: 943.05, 960.198
H 277 e1: 741.31, 943.05, 960.198
H 277 er: 741.31, 943.05, 960.198