WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Last week Governor Ron DeSantis signed five new public safety bills into law, reinforcing Florida’s aggressive stance on crime prevention, tougher penalties for violent offenders, and continued support for law enforcement.
The legislation targets dangerous drugs, gang activity, repeat offenders, and crimes committed against first responders, continuing what state leaders describe as Florida’s commitment to law and order.
“Today, I was proud to sign five bills to enhance public safety and support law enforcement,” said Governor Ron DeSantis on June 16. Among them was long awaited Officer Jason Raynor Act.
“These bills crack down on dangerous drugs, strengthen oversight of repeat offenders, disrupt criminal gangs, support law enforcement, and ensure that violent criminals face serious consequences. Florida is the law and order state, and our commitment to holding criminals accountable and keeping our streets safe forms the foundation for our state’s continued success.”
Since taking office, DeSantis has made public safety and law enforcement support central to his administration’s agenda. Florida has banned local governments from defunding police departments, increased criminal penalties for attacks on officers, raised officer pay, expanded recruitment incentives, and awarded more than 10,000 law enforcement recruitment bonuses. According to the Governor’s office, Florida has also reached a 50-year low in crime during his administration.
Attorney General James Uthmeier praised the legislation, emphasizing its impact on protecting families and communities.
“Keeping dangerous predators and drugs away from our kids is common sense, and Florida leads the nation in passing common-sense policies,” Uthmeier said. “Thanks to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for providing our prosecutors with the tools they need to push our historic crime lows down even further and keep Florida the best state in the nation to raise a family.”
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass called the package a clear signal of the state’s commitment to public safety.
“The bills signed today send a clear message, Governor DeSantis, the Cabinet, and legislators stand firmly in protecting the great state of Florida,” Glass said. “These new laws will strengthen our state, give law enforcement additional tools they need to confront criminals, and ensure the safety of our citizens and the millions of visitors who rely on Florida to remain a secure place to live, work, and travel.”
Among the legislation signed:
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SB 432 establishes trafficking penalties for xylazine, commonly known as “tranq,” while strengthening penalties for criminals who market dangerous substances to children. The bill also incorporates “Meg’s Law,” addressing the misuse of nitrous oxide.
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SB 1332 strengthens Florida’s Career Offender Registration Act by requiring in-person registration, enhanced reporting requirements, and improved information sharing among law enforcement agencies.
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HB 429 modernizes Florida’s gang statutes by recognizing online admissions, social media activity, and other digital indicators of gang affiliation in criminal prosecutions.
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SB 156, known as the Officer Jason Raynor Act, increases protections for law enforcement officers and strengthens penalties for violent crimes committed against them. The bill honors Daytona Beach Police Officer Jason Raynor, who was killed in the line of duty in 2021.
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SB 436 increases penalties for repeat violent offenders and expands felony enhancement provisions for battery offenses, particularly for crimes committed against officers after release from prison.
