FL S0178

Expands hate crime law (s. 775.085) to include crimes motivated by actual or perceived sex and creed of the victim, in addition to existing protected categories.

Adds employment-based protection by allowing penalty enhancement for crimes targeting law enforcement officers or emergency service employees based on their actual or perceived employment.

Defines "emergency service employee" by reference to s. 496.404, incorporating that statute's definition into the hate crime framework.

Maintains existing penalty reclassification structure where hate crimes are elevated one felony or misdemeanor degree (e.g., third-degree felony becomes second-degree felony).

Effective July 1, 2018.