FL H0209

Adds political affiliation or beliefs to the list of protected characteristics in Florida's hate crime law (s. 775.085), which previously included race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, homeless status, and advanced age.

Establishes enhanced criminal penalties for offenses evidencing prejudice based on political affiliation or beliefs, with each offense reclassified to the next higher degree (second-degree misdemeanor becomes first-degree misdemeanor, felonies increase by one degree, with first-degree felonies becoming life felonies).

Requires law enforcement agencies to report monthly to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement concerning criminal acts that evidence prejudice based on political affiliation or beliefs.

Directs the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to collect and disseminate data on such incidents upon request to local law enforcement agencies, local government units, and state agencies.

Effective date: July 1, 2018.