FL H1375

Creates new criminal offense of "battery by strangulation" under s. 784.031, Florida Statutes, defined as knowingly and intentionally impeding another person's breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the throat/neck or blocking the nose/mouth

Classifies battery by strangulation as a third-degree felony, punishable under Florida's standard felony sentencing provisions (ss. 775.082, 775.083, 775.084)

Exempts authorized medical diagnosis, treatment, or prescription activities from the offense

Adds battery by strangulation to Level 4 of the Criminal Punishment Code's offense severity ranking chart

Effective date: October 1, 2023