The provisions include enhanced penalties for repeat offenders and a GPS pilot program in Pasco and Pinellas counties.

LUTZ, Fla. — Nine days until the grand opening, tranquility fills the Creations Med Aesthetics & Wellness Spa in Lutz.

But for CEO Elizabeth Remis, her own story wasn’t always this peaceful.

“I felt trapped. I felt like there was not a solution to the situation that I was in,” Remis said.

Remis is among a number of domestic violence survivors who have had to overcome hardship. She believes a new bill that was passed by Florida lawmakers this week can help protect other survivors and hold abusers accountable.

The bill enhances penalties for repeat domestic violence offenders and creates a pilot program in Pinellas and Pasco counties by allowing courts to order electronic monitoring for certain offenders on probation who pose a threat to victims. 

The two-year pilot program through the Department of Corrections in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, which covers Pinellas and Pasco counties. The GPS electronic monitoring for repeat offenders would create a 500-foot geofence around the victim’s home and workplace, and be monitored with an app, so the victim would know if the abuser is within 500 feet.

The bill also increases financial assistance for victims trying to escape abusive situations from $1,500 to $2,500.

The Spring of Tampa Bay CEO Mindy Murphy said the bill focuses on perpetrator accountability and sends a message that domestic violence crimes are to be taken seriously.

For instance, perpetrators who have a misdemeanor charge can have penalties enhanced to a felony if they repeat crimes.

“It’s about indicating to people loud and clear that when you commit these crimes, law enforcement and the courts are going to take them seriously,” Murphy said.

Murphy also notes the military protective order in place that may be taken into account in a civil court if the bill is signed into law. 

Survivors may also write if partners have used violence against a family pet or have threatened violence against the pet in their domestic violence petition. Murphy notes there has been a close correlation between the abuse of animals and family members.

“Being able to include that in a petition as a cause for a protective order is also a win for survivors,” Murphy said.

While the bill can act as a preventative measure, Murphy said more awareness is needed for people to understand how dangerous perpetrators can be and stresses that protecting survivors is a collective effort.

Remis said it took years to recover from addiction tied to a difficult past. With the help of others, she was able to overcome those challenges and now hopes to offer that same support to others.

She hopes her business can be a sacred and restorative space, especially for people going through difficult times.

“I want the survivor to think that what has happened to them or this experience is not their fault,” Remis said. 

Lawmakers hope that if the pilot program gets the go-ahead and is signed into law, the data can be used to roll out a more comprehensive program statewide next legislative session.

If you are or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, you can call the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119 or The Spring of Tampa Bay 813-247-7233.