Reclassifies penalties for crimes evidencing prejudice based on victim's characteristics.

This bill amends Florida law to reclassify the penalties for felonies and misdemeanors if the crime evidences prejudice based on the victim's race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, homeless status, advanced age, or political ideology. It increases the severity of penalties, such as reclassifying a misdemeanor of the second degree to a misdemeanor of the first degree. The changes take effect October 1, 2026.

Reclassifies penalties for crimes evidencing prejudice based on victim's characteristics.

This bill amends Florida law to reclassify the penalties for felonies and misdemeanors if the crime evidences prejudice based on the victim's race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, homeless status, advanced age, or political ideology. It increases the severity of penalties, such as reclassifying a misdemeanor of the second degree to a misdemeanor of the first degree. The changes take effect October 1, 2026.