This bill amends the definition of "criminal gang member" in section 874.03 of the Florida Statutes. The revised definition specifies that a criminal gang member is a person who either admits to gang membership in person or on social media, or meets two or more specified criteria. These criteria include being identified by a parent, guardian, or spouse, being recognized by law enforcement or a reliable informant, adopting gang-related dress or symbols, and using gang-related language on social media, among others. Notably, the number of required observations with known gang members has been reduced from four to two, and the criteria for identifying gang members have been expanded to include various forms of communication indicating gang affiliation.

Additionally, the bill reenacts references to the updated definition of "criminal gang member" in other sections of Florida law, including sections related to nuisance abatement, aggravating factors for capital felonies, and the assessment of inmates' gang status in detention facilities. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 536 Filed: 874.03