FL S0652

Expands hate crime penalty enhancements in Florida law to include crimes motivated by prejudice against officers of the court, correctional officers, or first responders, in addition to existing protected classes based on race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, homeless status, mental or physical disability, and advanced age.

Applies automatic penalty reclassification for offenses evidencing this prejudice, moving each offense up one felony or misdemeanor level (e.g., third degree felony becomes second degree felony).

Requires the defendant to have perceived, known, or had reasonable grounds to know or perceive that the victim belonged to a protected class as an essential element of the enhancement.

Mandates all law enforcement agencies to report monthly to the Department of Law Enforcement concerning offenses that evidence prejudice based on the expanded categories.

Effective date is October 1, 2016.