FL H0567

Creates section 784.071 to upgrade assault and battery charges when committed against licensed health care professionals (chapters 490-491) or social workers, if the perpetrator knew the victim's position and the incident occurred during or related to employment duties.

Upgrades assault from second-degree misdemeanor to first-degree misdemeanor; battery from first-degree misdemeanor to third-degree felony; aggravated assault from third-degree felony to second-degree felony; and aggravated battery from second-degree felony to first-degree felony.

Requires convicted offenders committing aggravated assault or battery to pay up to $10,000 in fines, make restitution to the victim, perform up to 500 hours of community service, and serve a minimum of 5 years imprisonment.

Imposes additional mandatory imprisonment of 3 years minimum if a firearm or destructive device was possessed during the offense, or 8 years minimum if a semiautomatic firearm with high-capacity magazine or machine gun was possessed.

Prohibits suspension of adjudication or sentence, statutory gain-time, or discretionary early release (except pardon, executive clemency, or conditional medical release) prior to serving the minimum sentence.