Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Florida Legislature Sends Domestic Violence Protections Bill to Governor After Unanimous Vote

Survivor testimony drove a bipartisan package tightening protections.

Overview

  • HB 277 cleared the Senate 37-0 after a unanimous House vote and now awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision.
  • The law authorizes a Pinellas County pilot for court-ordered electronic monitoring of certain offenders starting July 1 through June 30, 2028, with an eye to possible statewide expansion.
  • Repeat violations of protective injunctions are elevated to third-degree felonies, strengthening penalties for serial offenders.
  • Victim relocation aid rises to $2,500 per claim, with the lifetime cap increasing from $3,000 to $5,000 to better support safe moves.
  • The measure creates a statewide injunction database managed by FDLE, allows pet and service-animal threats to be included in protective orders, and improves civilian–military coordination on protective-order enforcement.