West Palm Beach, Fla (CBS12) — A new Florida law taking effect July 1 will increase penalties for repeat domestic violence offenders, expand the factors judges may consider when granting protective injunctions and launch electronic monitoring pilot programs aimed at improving victim safety.

The measure, CS/CS/HB 277, was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 21 after passing both chambers of the Legislature without opposition. It becomes Chapter 2026-86, Laws of Florida.

The bill was sponsored in the House by Rep. Debra Tendrich, D-Lake Worth, and Rep. Danny Nix, R-Wauchula, with Sen. Alexis Calatayud carrying the companion measure in the Senate. Tendrich, who has publicly described herself as a survivor of domestic violence, framed the legislation as a survivor-driven effort to close gaps in enforcement, strengthen accountability and give victims more tools to leave dangerous situations.

The law makes several changes to Florida’s domestic violence statutes. A person convicted of a domestic violence offense who has a prior domestic violence conviction can face a reclassified, higher-level penalty. For example, a first-degree misdemeanor can be reclassified as a third-degree felony, and a third-degree felony can be reclassified as a second-degree felony.

The law also lowers the threshold for enhancing penalties when someone violates a domestic violence injunction against the same victim. A second or subsequent violation can now be treated as a third-degree felony, rather than waiting for a third or later violation. The same felony treatment can apply when a defendant violates an injunction and has a prior domestic violence conviction involving the same victim.

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Judges considering petitions for domestic violence injunctions will also be allowed to weigh new risk factors, including whether the respondent has threatened to injure or kill a family pet, service animal or emotional support animal. Courts may also consider the existence of a military protective order.

The military provisions are intended to improve coordination between civilian law enforcement and military authorities. If an officer has probable cause to believe someone violated a domestic violence injunction and also violated a military protective order entered into the National Crime Information Center database, the officer or agency must notify the agency that entered the military order.

Pilot programs to test electronic monitoring

Another major piece of the law is a two-year electronic monitoring pilot program. In Pinellas County, the sheriff, in consultation with the chief judge, state attorney and public defender, is authorized to design and run a misdemeanor monitoring program for certain defendants convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors or misdemeanor violations of domestic, dating or sexual violence injunctions.

A separate felony pilot program will operate in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, which includes Pinellas and Pasco counties, and will be overseen by the Florida Department of Corrections. Both pilots run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.

Under the pilot programs, courts may order electronic monitoring as a condition of probation when a defendant is subject to a no-contact order. Courts must order monitoring if they find clear and convincing evidence that the defendant poses a threat of violence or physical harm to the victim. Defendants generally must pay the cost of monitoring, though the Pinellas sheriff may reduce or waive costs in the misdemeanor program.

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The law requires reports to legislative leaders on the monitoring programs, including the number of defendants placed on monitoring, violations, costs, money collected and recommendations for improving the programs. Initial reports are due March 1, 2027, followed by another report Jan. 1, 2028, and a final report Sept. 1, 2028.

The law also expands the statewide injunction verification system by requiring the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to enter dating violence and sexual violence injunctions into the database used by law enforcement to confirm the existence and status of protective orders.

For survivors, one of the most immediate practical changes is an increase in relocation assistance. The maximum one-time payment for eligible domestic violence victims rises from $1,500 to $2,500, and the lifetime maximum increases from $3,000 to $5,000.

Supporters say the package is designed to address repeat abuse, give courts more information when assessing risk and test whether electronic monitoring can help enforce no-contact orders. The practical effects will be felt first in the criminal courts, where repeat offenders may face stiffer penalties, and in Pinellas and Pasco counties, where judges will have new monitoring tools for certain probation cases.

The broader statewide impact will depend partly on the pilot program results. If lawmakers find the monitoring programs effective, the reports could shape future proposals to expand similar requirements beyond the Sixth Judicial Circuit.

Help for victims

Law enforcement and support organizations urge anyone experiencing domestic violence or threats to seek assistance. Resources include local law enforcement agencies and the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Local organizations such as AVDA Palm Beach (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) also offer a wide range of services to help victims safely leave abusive environments and begin rebuilding their lives. If someone is in immediate danger, they should call 911. But if it’s safe to reach out directly, AVDA is available at all hours.

24/7 Crisis Hotline: 561-265-2900The hotline is also text-enabled, allowing victims who cannot safely speak on the phone to communicate with trained advocates.Emergency Shelters:AVDA provides safe shelter locations throughout Palm Beach County.Legal Services: The organization offers legal support to help survivors navigate restraining orders, custody matters, and other critical processes.

Help is also available to all Floridians 24 hours a day through the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-500-1119.

Mental health experts also stress that individuals experiencing overwhelming stress, relationship crises or suicidal thoughts should reach out for help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7 by calling or texting 988.