Domestic Violence Reform Law Ready For Governor’s Signature

In early 2026, a law seeking to make major reforms to Florida’s domestic violence statute passed the House and the Senate. As of this writing, it now awaits the governor’s signature, with bipartisan support from both houses. If passed, this bill would ensure that more resources are available for survivors and more factors are considered when facing an alleged abuser at trial.

What’s In The Bill?

The bill’s chief provision, which drives much of its support, is its intent to impose stricter penalties on those who already have a prior domestic violence conviction. In addition, the bill authorizes a pilot program of electronic monitoring for domestic violence offenders on probation, which would begin in Pinellas County on July 1, 2026 and run until June 30, 2028. During the pilot program, state officials can analyze the results of electronic monitoring on the re-offense rate and other issues.

Other intended revisions to Florida’s code in this bill include the raising of the relocation stipend available to survivors up to $2,500 (from $1,500). Also, the bill would ask judges to consider violence or threats of violence against a family pet during domestic violence injunction hearings. Pets are considered family, and a credible threat made against them creates a possible presumption of violence against other family members.

Not Yet Passed

As of this writing, the bill has not been signed, but it is considered very likely that the governor will do so. Statistics show that domestic violence offenders are more likely to reoffend than those who commit many other crimes – for example, data reported by the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) shows that in the first half of 2025, the domestic violence rate was the only studied crime rate that rose, while offenses like murder, sexual assaults, and robberies decreased. This bill can help remove such offenders from Florida streets.

If you are facing charges related to domestic violence, it is likely that your case will continue using the version of the law in force at the time you allegedly committed the crime. In civil law cases, sometimes a person may be held liable under a newer version of a law, but in the criminal system, the fear of ex post facto laws means that the older version will apply.

Contact A West Palm Beach Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence is a persistent problem that affects countless Floridians. If this bill is passed, it will impose harsher sentences on those who reoffend, and hopefully give survivors a bit of peace as they try to move onward and upward. If you have questions or concerns about a domestic violence matter, contacting a West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney from Perlet & Shiner, P.A. can help to ease your mind. Call us today at (561) 721-0552 to speak to an attorney.

Source:

msn.com/en-us/news/us/florida-lawmakers-pass-domestic-violence-reform-it-now-awaits-the-governors-signature/ar-AA1ZjQ7a