New Programs To Combat Domestic Violence Now Law In Florida

In the last days of May 2026, Florida’s governor signed two new laws authorizing the beginnings of new systems to protect survivors of domestic violence and those potentially at risk. The first strengthens punishments for domestic violence crimes and also creates a pilot program, to be conducted in Pinellas County, on the feasibility of electronic monitoring for those charged with or convicted of domestic violence offenses. The second is an act authorizing a feasibility study to be done on the creation of a web-based 911 system. While these specific initiatives may be some time in becoming reality, the laws are still two steps in the right direction.

HB277 – Monitoring Alleged Abusers

HB277 raises the penalties for each level of domestic violence offense by one degree (for example, a first-degree misdemeanor offense is now to be tried as a third-degree felony), as well as allowing judges to include threats or violence against family pets to be taken into account when assessing domestic violence cases. In addition, this law raises the relocation allowance offered to domestic violence victims by the state, to better reflect the actual cost of living in Florida.

It also explicitly creates the pilot program for monitoring alleged domestic abusers. Those affected are those on probation, who are found to still pose a demonstrable threat to their victim or victims. The question of electronic monitoring for those allegedly guilty of domestic violence crimes has been a complex one, with defendants arguing it would essentially be a punishment before conviction, while victims of domestic violence emphasize the feelings of safety this measure gives to them.

SB296 – Calling 911 Secretly

The other bill signed by Florida’s governor passed the state Senate in March is referred to as the HAVEN Act (Helping Abuse Victims Escape Now). It commissions a feasibility study into designing a web-based system that would call 911 more quickly than the standard number. No specific details exist as of yet, but eventually, the aim is to have an individual phone number for each computer or phone, and be able to dial it surreptitiously to get law enforcement to respond more quickly.

In addition, the Act also allows victims of stalking and dating violence to take advantage of protections, such as being able to use Florida’s Address Confidentiality Program (FACP). Stalking is often a crime of domestic violence, and while dating violence is legally distinct from domestic violence, it is still treated as a serious offense, particularly if physical harm actually results. Victims of domestic violence are not the only ones who deserve legal protection.

Contact A West Palm Beach Domestic Violence Attorney

While it remains to be seen how effective these new measures will be, hopefully victims will feel somewhat safer knowing that fewer instances of domestic violence will go unpunished. If you have been the victim of a crime of domestic violence, a West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney from Perlet & Shiner, P.A. can help you access the tools that can keep you safe. Contact our office today at (561) 721-0552 to speak to an attorney.

Source:

flhouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0277__.docx&DocumentType=Bill&BillNumber=277&Session=2026