The bill amends Florida Statutes to revise the offense of domestic battery by strangulation and introduces a new offense of battery by strangulation. It removes the definitions of "family or household member" and "dating relationship" from the statute, thereby broadening the scope of the offense to apply to any individual rather than limiting it to specific relationships. The revised language specifies that a person commits battery by strangulation if they knowingly and intentionally impede another person's normal breathing or circulation by applying pressure to the throat or neck or blocking the nose or mouth, creating a risk of great bodily harm. Violations of this section are classified as a felony of the third degree, punishable under existing criminal penalties.

Additionally, the bill makes technical changes to conform other statutes, specifically sections 921.0022 and 943.0584, to reflect the changes made in the definition and classification of the offense. The effective date for the implementation of this act is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 890 Filed: 784.041, 921.0022, 943.0584