FL S1498

Amends s. 775.085 to require reclassification of crimes evidencing prejudice based on race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, homeless status, advanced age, or gender, with reclassification ranging from misdemeanor second degree to life felony depending on original offense level.

Revises s. 775.0863 to redefine "disability" as a physical or mental impairment substantially limiting one or more major life activities, and requires reclassification of crimes evidencing prejudice based on victim's disability with the same penalty escalation structure.

Creates s. 775.0864 to establish crime reclassification when a person intentionally selects and commits an offense against a first responder, correctional officer, correctional probation officer, state attorney, assistant state attorney, or judge, requiring defendant knowledge of victim's occupation as an essential element.

Authorizes civil causes of action under s. 775.0863 and s. 775.0864 for victims establishing by clear and convincing evidence they were coerced, intimidated, or threatened, with relief including treble damages, injunctions, and recovery of attorney fees and court costs.

Amends s. 921.0022 to conform the Criminal Punishment Code offense severity ranking chart to include the new s. 775.0864 reclassification provision, effective October 1, 2017.