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 felonies. Courts may now consider it an aggravating factor if:

• The victim was a head of state or their immediate family.
• The crime occurred while the defendant attempted or committed a crime against a head of state, even if the actual victim was someone else.

Aggravating factors influence sentencing and can lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Who It Affects

Defendants facing capital charges must understand how this new law can change their sentencing exposure. Prosecutors can argue that the presence of a head of state—even indirectly—justifies harsher penalties. Judges now have an added factor to weigh in sentencing.

Attorneys must prepare to defend against this added complexity. Every word in the charging document matters, and every aggravating factor can raise the stakes.

When Does It Take Effect?

The law takes effect on July 1, 2025. It applies to qualifying crimes committed on or after that date. Anyone charged with a capital felony after this date could face the impact of SB 653 during sentencing.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Capital felony cases carry the harshest penalties allowed under Florida law. When aggravating factors are involved, those penalties become even more likely. A strong legal defense must anticipate the State’s strategy and challenge aggravating factors when possible.

Attorney Rocky Brancato has more than 25 years of experience handling the most serious criminal charges in Florida. He previously served as second-in-command at the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office and now leads The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. He personally handles every case and brings deep experience in death penalty litigation and felony sentencing.

Call The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. Today

If you or a loved one is facing a capital felony charge, do not wait. The earlier you involve a skilled defense attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case.

Call (813) 727-7159 or visit www.brancatolawfirm.com to schedule a confidential consultation. The firm serves clients in Tampa, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties.

Updated January 19, 2026

What Is Dexter’s Law?

On July 1, 2025, Florida will begin enforcing Dexter’s Law, a significant expansion of criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses. This legislation, named after a dog who was tortured and killed, fundamentally changes how Florida prosecutes and punishes aggravated animal cruelty cases.

Specifically, Dexter’s Law amends several sections of the Florida Statutes to accomplish three major objectives: enhanced sentencing through a multiplier system, elimination of record sealing and expungement options, and creation of a public animal cruelty offender registry. Consequently, individuals charged under Florida Statute § 828.12 now face substantially more severe consequences than under previous law. I am Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Rocky Brancato. If you are charged with criminal animal cruelty, my firm, the Brancato Law Firm, P.A. can help.

Enhanced Sentencing Under Dexter’s Law

Dexter’s Law amends Florida Statute § 921.0024 to impose a sentencing multiplier for qualifying animal cruelty convictions. When a defendant is convicted under § 828.12(2) and the offense involves intentional torture or torment that injures, mutilates, or kills an animal, the court must multiply the total sentence points by 1.25.

However, this multiplier applies only when the victim is an animal that is:

• Not used for bona fide agricultural purposes
• Not classified as captive wildlife under Florida law

As a result, defendants convicted of torturing or killing household pets face significantly longer prison sentences than under prior sentencing guidelines. Moreover, this multiplier stacks on top of any other applicable enhancements.

Dexter’s Law Sentencing Impact

Permanent Criminal Record: No Sealing or Expungement

One of the most significant changes under Dexter’s Law involves amendments to Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059. Previously, defendants who received withheld adjudication for certain offenses could petition to seal or expunge their records after a waiting period.

Under Dexter’s Law, this option no longer exists for animal cruelty offenses. Specifically, the law permanently bars anyone who pleads guilty or no contest to any violation of § 828.12—whether misdemeanor animal cruelty under subsection (1) or felony aggravated animal cruelty under subsection (2)—from sealing or expunging their record.

This prohibition applies even when the court withholds adjudication. Therefore, a defendant who accepts a plea deal expecting to later clear their record will find that option permanently foreclosed.

Florida’s New Animal Cruelty Offender Registry

Beginning January 1, 2026, Dexter’s Law requires the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to create and maintain a public, searchable database of animal cruelty offenders. This registry will function similarly to Florida’s sex offender registry, making offender information permanently accessible to the public.

Who Will Be Listed on the Registry?

The registry will list anyone who enters a plea or receives a conviction for any offense under Florida Statute § 828.12. Importantly, this rule applies even when the court withholds adjudication—meaning the defendant appears on the public registry even if the court never technically convicts them.

Registry Requirements

• FDLE must update the registry at least every 48 hours
• The database must be publicly accessible online
• The registry must be searchable by the public
• Listing applies regardless of adjudication status

Dexter’s Law Implementation Timeline

What Dexter’s Law Means for Defendants

Dexter’s Law fundamentally changes the calculus for anyone accused of animal cruelty in Florida. The combination of enhanced sentences, permanent criminal records, and public registration creates consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom.

For instance, a conviction or plea will now affect employment opportunities, housing applications, professional licensing, and personal relationships—indefinitely. Additionally, the public registry ensures that neighbors, employers, and anyone else can easily discover the offense with a simple online search.

Given these stakes, mounting an aggressive defense from the earliest stages of the case is essential. This includes challenging probable cause, questioning witness credibility, examining forensic evidence, and exploring all available legal defenses.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dexter’s Law and Florida Animal Cruelty Charges

Questions about the Animal Cruelty Registry

Related:

• Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney – Full-service criminal defense
• Tampa Police Mistakes Can Lead to Case Dismissal
• Circumstantial Evidence in Florida Criminal Cases

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 dangerous excessive speeding. A person commits this offense if they:

• Drive more than 50 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, or
• Drive at 100 miles per hour or more in a way that threatens the safety of others or interferes with traffic.

This statute did not previously exist in Florida law.

New Criminal Penalties

Penalties under § 316.1922 include:

• First offense: Up to 30 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both.
• Second or subsequent offense: Up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.
• If the second or later offense occurs within five years of a prior conviction, the person’s driver’s license must be revoked for at least 180 days and up to one year.

This elevates certain high-speed violations from civil traffic infractions to criminal misdemeanors.

Mandatory Court Appearance for Added Infractions

The law also amends § 318.19 to require mandatory court appearances for violations of:

• § 316.1926(2) – which includes aggressive driving behavior.

These additions expand the list of violations that require drivers to appear in court, removing the ability to resolve the case by paying a fine.

Officer Citation Discretion Updated

An amendment to § 318.14(2) allows officers to use their discretion when noting hearing details on traffic citations. Additionally, officers are not required to list a civil penalty amount on citations for:

• Violations under § 318.19(5) or § 316.1926(2).

This change reflects the shift toward treating these infractions as court-handled matters rather than payable fines.

Charged with Dangerous Speeding in Florida? Call a Criminal Defense Attorney Now

A citation under § 316.1922 is not just a ticket—it’s a criminal charge with potential jail time, fines, and license revocation. Your future and freedom may depend on how quickly and effectively you respond.

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we provide serious criminal defense for clients facing high-speed driving and related charges in Tampa, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties.

Call (813) 727-7159 today to schedule your free consultation with attorney Rocky Brancato.

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 severe penalties for common marine incidents. Consequently, a casual day on the water can now have life-changing legal consequences.

If you operate any vessel in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, or anywhere on the Intracoastal Waterway, you must understand these changes. This isn’t just another regulation; it’s a complete overhaul of boater responsibility that local law enforcement will be enforcing aggressively.

What is Lucy’s Law? A Guide for Tampa Bay Boaters

Lucy’s Law, officially CS/CS/CS/HB 289, raises the stakes for everything from boating under the influence BUI to leaving the scene of an accident. Here’s a clear breakdown of what every local boater, from the weekend enthusiast at Fort De Soto to the vessel rental operator at John’s Pass, needs to know.

1. Leaving a Boating Accident is Now a Major Felony

Previously, the consequences for leaving the scene of a boating accident were less severe. Under Lucy’s Law, this has changed dramatically. Failing to stop, provide your information, and render aid after a boating accident is now a felony.

The penalties escalate based on the severity of the incident:

• Accident with Injury: A third-degree felony.
• Accident with Serious Bodily Injury: A second-degree felony.
• Accident with a Fatality: A first-degree felony. Furthermore, if a captain willfully leaves the scene of a fatal crash, they face a mandatory minimum of 4 years in prison.

This is a critical update for boaters in high-traffic zones like the Courtney Campbell Causeway, Davis Islands, or near Beer Can Island.

2. BUI Manslaughter Penalties Mirror DUI Law

Lucy’s Law directly aligns penalties for Boating Under the Influence BUI with those for driving under the influence DUI. This is a significant shift aimed at reducing alcohol-related tragedies on crowded waters like Lake Tarpon and Hillsborough Bay.

Specifically, an operator involved in a fatal boating accident while impaired faces:

• BUI Manslaughter: A second-degree felony.
• Leaving the Scene of a Fatal BUI: A first-degree felony with mandatory prison time.

Because of this change, law enforcement in both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties will treat BUI incidents with the same gravity as DUIs on the road.

3. “Reckless Operation” Carries Felony Consequences

What might have been considered a careless joyride in the past now carries much heavier penalties. Reckless or careless operation of a vessel, such as operating at high speeds near swimmers or crowded sandbars, is now a more serious offense.

• Reckless Operation No Injury: A first-degree misdemeanor.
• Reckless Operation Causing Serious Bodily Harm: A third-degree felony.

This provision gives authorities more power to crack down on dangerous behavior near popular spots like Clearwater Pass and the Gandy Bridge.

4. It is Now a Crime to File a False Boating Accident Report

Under the new statute, it is illegal to knowingly provide false information, written or oral, following a boating accident. This is classified as a second-degree misdemeanor. This law targets anyone tempted to misstate the facts to avoid liability, even in a minor collision.

5. Mandatory Fines and Safety Courses for Violators

The new law also imposes stricter educational requirements and fines. Repeat offenders or anyone involved in a “reportable” boating accident must:

• Pay a 500 dollar fine, with the funds directed to marine law enforcement agencies.
• Successfully complete a state-approved boating safety course.
• File proof of course completion before being legally allowed to operate a vessel again.

This directly impacts recreational boaters and rental customers throughout the Tampa Bay area.

How Lucy’s Law Impacts Boaters in Hillsborough and Pinellas

As one of Florida’s busiest boating regions, Tampa Bay will be a focal point for the enforcement of Lucy’s Law. From Apollo Beach to Indian Rocks Beach, expect to see a more aggressive stance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FWC.

This means you can anticipate:

• More Felony Arrests: Accidents that once might have resulted in misdemeanors or civil liability will now trigger felony charges.
• Harsher BUI Penalties: There will be less leniency for boaters found operating while impaired.
• Increased Scrutiny on Rentals: The law expands the definition of a “livery,” placing more responsibility on anyone renting out a vessel, even informally.

If you are involved in a marine incident, it is critical to consult a lawyer before making any statements. An experienced criminal defense attorney can secure evidence like GPS data, witness accounts, and medical records to protect your rights, often before formal charges are even filed.

Facing a BUI or Boating Charge in Tampa? Your Freedom is on the Line.

Under Lucy’s Law, there is no such thing as a minor boating incident anymore. You could be facing felony charges, mandatory prison time, and the loss of your freedom and reputation over a mistake on the water. Do not talk to law enforcement or wait for charges to be filed. The single most important step you can take right now is to secure an experienced BUI and boating defense lawyer.

The Brancato Law Firm is your first line of defense. With over 25 years of felony trial experience right here in Tampa Bay, we know how to challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and build a powerful defense designed to protect your future.

Don’t Risk a Felony Conviction. Call Us Immediately for a Confidential Strategy Session.

Your defense starts with one phone call. We will immediately review the details of your case and outline the critical next steps to protect you. We serve all of Tampa Bay from our office in historic Ybor City.

Call Now: (813) 727-7159

Legal Services: Felony Defense for BUI and Boating Accidents

Service Areas: Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Hillsborough County, and Pinellas County

The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. – Tampa’s Authority in Boating Crime Defense