FL H0277

Reclassifies penalties for domestic violence offenses when the offender has a prior domestic violence conviction, elevating each offense by one degree (e.g., second-degree misdemeanor becomes first-degree misdemeanor, first-degree felony becomes life felony)

Establishes electronic monitoring pilot programs in Pinellas County (misdemeanors, managed by sheriff) and the Sixth Judicial Circuit (felonies, managed by Department of Corrections) from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, with mandatory monitoring when clear and convincing evidence shows the defendant poses a threat of violence to the victim

Reduces from two to one the number of prior domestic violence convictions required to elevate a subsequent injunction violation against the same victim to a third-degree felony

Adds new factors courts may consider when evaluating domestic violence injunction petitions, including whether the respondent injured or threatened family pets, destroyed personal property, or is subject to a military protective order

Increases relocation assistance for domestic violence victims from $1,500 to $2,500 per claim and from $3,000 to $5,000 lifetime maximum