FL S0788

Increases criminal penalties for trespassing in school safety zones (500 feet of schools) by persons previously convicted of gang-related offenses under chapter 874, upgrading violations from second-degree to first-degree misdemeanors.

Creates enhanced penalties for recruiting or encouraging minors under 13 years old to join criminal gangs, making first-time violations a second-degree felony (instead of third-degree) and second or subsequent violations a first-degree felony.

Authorizes county and municipal detention facilities to designate staff to assess whether inmates are criminal gang members or associates and requires biweekly reporting of such designations to arresting law enforcement agencies.

Updates sentencing guidelines to clarify that the 1.5 sentencing multiplier for gang-related offenses cannot be applied if it would result in a sentence exceeding the statutory maximum, requiring instead a sentence at the statutory maximum.

Amends background screening standards and sentencing charts to conform with new gang offense classifications under section 874.05, effective July 1, 2013.