Articles Posted in Legislative Update

Florida Passes SB 653 On June 13, 2025, Florida enacted SB 653, a law that adds a new aggravating factor for capital felony sentencing. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025, and applies to certain crimes involving high-level government figures. What SB 653 Changes The new law creates an additional aggravating factor for capital…

Dexter’s Law: Florida Increases Penalties for Aggravated Animal Cruelty Starting July 1, 2025, Florida will enforce a new law called Dexter’s Law. This law increases criminal penalties for certain animal cruelty offenses and creates a public registry of offenders. Harsher Sentences for Aggravated Cruelty Dexter’s Law updates section 921.0024 of the Florida Statutes. It applies…

New Florida Law Creates Crime of Dangerous Excessive Speeding Effective July 1, 2025, a new Florida law—§ 316.1922, Florida Statutes—creates the criminal offense of dangerous excessive speeding. This change reflects a legislative effort to crack down on drivers who engage in extreme and unsafe speeding behavior. What Changed? The law introduces a new criminal offense for…

New Tampa Boating Law: How Lucy’s Law Changes the Rules for Pinellas and Hillsborough Boaters in 2025 Starting July 1, 2025, a sweeping new Florida boating law, known as “Lucy’s Law,” will permanently alter the landscape for boaters across Tampa Bay. Passed in May 2025 in response to a tragic boating death, this law introduces…