FL H1117

Adds "gender" and "gender identity" as protected categories under Florida's hate crime statute (s. 775.085), allowing penalty reclassification for bias-motivated crimes targeting these characteristics

Clarifies that hate crime penalty enhancements apply when offenses are motivated "in whole or in part" by prejudice against any person's protected characteristics, not just the direct victim

Revises the definition of "disability" from the narrower "mental or physical incapacitation" standard to a broader "physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities"

Expands mandatory hate crime data collection and reporting by the Governor through the Department of Law Enforcement to include incidents based on gender, gender identity, and disability

Effective date: October 1, 2026