FL H0057

Amends Florida Statutes s. 775.085 to enhance penalties for felonies and misdemeanors committed with prejudice based on victim's employment as a judge, correctional officer, correctional probation officer, or first responder.

Establishes automatic penalty reclassification escalating offenses by one level (second degree misdemeanor to first degree misdemeanor, first degree felony to life felony, etc.) when offense evidences prejudice against protected employment classes.

Defines "employment" to include full-time, part-time, auxiliary, or volunteer positions.

Requires defendant to have perceived, known, or had reasonable grounds to know the victim belonged to a protected class for penalty enhancement to apply.

Excludes application to offenses under s. 782.065 (murder) and s. 784.07 (assault/battery) and effective date October 1, 2017.