FL H1535

Adds "disabled adult" as a protected category under Florida's hate crime statute (s. 775.085), allowing penalty enhancement when crimes are committed based on prejudice against a person's disability status

Defines "disabled adult" as an individual 18 years or older who suffers from physical or mental incapacitation due to developmental disability, organic brain damage, or mental illness, or who has limitations restricting normal daily activities

Reclassifies penalties upward by one degree when crimes evidence prejudice against disabled adults: second-degree misdemeanors become first-degree; first-degree misdemeanors become third-degree felonies; and felonies are similarly elevated up to life felony status

Effective date: July 1, 2026