The Domestic Emergency and Batterers Reform and Accountability Act aims to strengthen Florida's response to domestic violence by implementing a series of new measures and revisions to existing laws. Key provisions include the establishment of a system to flag addresses linked to 911 calls for domestic or dating violence, mandatory training for emergency medical technicians and paramedics on domestic violence issues, and the introduction of new definitions for terms such as "coercive control" and "electronic monitoring." The bill also enhances criminal penalties for domestic violence offenses, particularly during states of emergency, and creates a domestic violence deferred sentencing program that allows first-time offenders to defer sentencing while undergoing treatment.

Additionally, the bill revises the criteria for obtaining protective injunctions and introduces a Domestic, Dating, Sexual, and Repeat Violence Injunction Statewide Verification System to improve communication among criminal justice agencies. It expands the definition of domestic violence to include harassment and intimidation, mandates electronic monitoring for certain offenders, and increases penalties for violations of protective injunctions. The legislation also raises the relocation assistance for victims from $1,500 to $2,500 and the lifetime maximum from $3,000 to $5,000. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance victim protections, improve law enforcement responses, and ensure accountability for offenders, with an effective date set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 682 Filed: 365.171, 741.281, 741.283, 784.047, 960.198, 921.0024, 943.0584, 943.171
S 682 c1: 365.171, 741.281, 741.29, 784.047, 960.198, 921.0024, 943.0584, 943.171