FL H0011

Adds "homeless status" to the list of protected characteristics in Florida's hate crime statute (s. 775.085), alongside race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, mental or physical disability, and advanced age.

Crimes evidencing prejudice based on a victim's homeless status are subject to felony reclassification: misdemeanor second degree becomes first degree; misdemeanor first degree becomes felony third degree; felony third degree becomes second degree; felony second degree becomes first degree; felony first degree becomes life felony.

Defines "homeless status" as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, or having a primary nighttime residence in a supervised shelter or public/private place not designed for regular human sleeping accommodation.

Takes effect October 1, 2010.