FL S1656

Creates section 775.022, Florida Statutes, to establish that reenactment or amendment of criminal statutes operates prospectively and does not affect prior prosecutions, violations based on prior acts, or previously imposed penalties.

Defines "criminal statute" to include any statute, whether substantive or procedural, dealing with crimes, their punishment, criminal defenses, or criminal penalties.

Requires that when penalties, forfeitures, or punishments are reduced by amendment or reenactment, the reduced penalty applies to violations not yet sentenced.

Allows retroactive application of newly enacted or amended criminal defenses in cases that have not yet resulted in final judgment or appellate decision.

Establishes that references to other Florida Statutes within criminal statutes constitute general references under the doctrine of incorporation by reference.