Proposed legislation increasing penalties for domestic abusers and directing funds toward victims has passed both the Florida House and Senate. The companion bills now await approval from Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The companion measures, House Bill 277 and Senate Bill 682, expand how courts evaluate domestic violence cases and introduce new safeguards for survivors.
One change allows judges to consider a broader range of evidence when reviewing injunctions or abuse charges, including histories of animal abuse.
Florida Rep. Linda Chaney noted that the connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence is well established.
“It is essential to recognize animal abuse in domestic violence cases,” Chaney said. “Seventy-one percent of domestic violence victims report their pets are also being abused.”
For many victims, she added, the presence of pets complicates escape. Leaving an abusive situation can mean leaving an animal behind.
Rep. Lindsay Cross echoed the point and framed the provision as preventative.
“There is a strong correlation between abuse of animals and abuse of people,” Cross said. “Including this component is a proactive measure that may ultimately prevent domestic abuse by identifying and rehabilitating offenders.”
Another portion of the legislation directs funds toward victims seeking to leave abusive households. Relocation assistance would increase to $2,500.
“The increased relocation assistance to $2,500 is an important step forward,” Cross said. “And while it may not be sufficient to cover all of the expenses associated with uprooting someone’s life and seeking a safer home, it is a commitment to support victims of domestic violence in their path to recovery.”
The bills also create a pilot program in Pinellas and Pasco counties to electronically monitor felony domestic violence offenders as well as individuals who violate injunctions.
Under the proposal, courts could impose electronic monitoring for offenders placed on probation. In cases where there is clear and convincing evidence of potential harm to the victim, monitoring would be required.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office would administer monitoring for misdemeanor cases, while the Florida Department of Corrections would oversee felony offenders. Both agencies would issue reports to the Florida Senate and the House Speaker evaluating the program’s effectiveness and recommending improvements.
The legislation has drawn bipartisan support. The House approved its version last week and the Senate followed Monday.
Cross, a Democrat, and Chaney, a Republican were among the co-sponsors alongside a lengthy list of legislators from both parties.
The measure was originally introduced by Debra Tendrich, who has spoken openly about surviving domestic violence and said those experiences helped shape the proposal.
“I brought this bill forward because of my own survivor story but it was the voices of victims and survivors from across Florida that gave this legislation its power, clarity and direction,” Tendrich wrote in a statement.
The legislation also increases penalties for repeat domestic violence offenses. Chaney said diversion programs can be appropriate in some early cases but argued repeat offenses require stronger consequences.
“While there is value in prevention or diversion programs if a court deems them appropriate to prevent a situation from escalating, diversion or intervention is no longer appropriate for repeat offenses,” she said. “Criminal punishment is required to ensure the safety of the victim and of the public.”
If signed by the governor, the measures would expand judicial authority in abuse cases, establish the monitoring pilot in Pinellas and Pasco counties and direct additional resources toward victims attempting to leave abusive homes.