HB 83 Summary

• Creates s. 784.04875 establishing misdemeanor of the first degree for committing domestic violence or dating violence as defined in state law.

• Prohibits persons convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence offenses from purchasing or possessing firearms or ammunition, and requires surrender of all firearms and ammunition upon conviction.

• Requires courts to order defendants convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence to surrender firearms, ammunition, and concealed carry licenses to local law enforcement within 72 hours, with law enforcement issuing receipts and maintaining records.

• Authorizes law enforcement to seek search warrants if probable cause exists that a defendant failed to surrender firearms, and allows courts to issue warrants upon sworn statement or testimony of non-compliance.

• Creates s. 790.234 requiring law enforcement officers to temporarily remove firearms from domestic violence scenes when probable cause exists for domestic violence and firearm is in plain view or discovered during lawful search; owner may retake possession within 14 days after proceeding concludes.

• Effective date: October 1, 2022.