This bill revises Florida’s stalking and harassment laws in several ways. It expands the statutory definitions of “harass,” “course of conduct,” and “cyberstalk” to clarify that stalking-like conduct can occur through third parties, electronic communications, cameras, drones, and access to online accounts or internet-connected home systems without permission. It also creates a new aggravated stalking offense for a person who willfully or maliciously harasses or cyberstalks specified justice system personnel, when the conduct arises out of or is within the scope of those officials’ duties.
The bill also makes related changes to arrest warrant procedures and sentencing references. It authorizes courts to issue arrest warrants in additional misdemeanor cases, including stalking-related cases, and allows electronic signatures on warrants when specified conditions are met. Several sections of the Criminal Punishment Code and probation/community control statutes are updated to conform cross-references to the revised stalking provisions, including aggravated stalking as a qualifying offense and as a trigger for supervision review and reporting. The bill also reenacts related harassment and bullying statutes so their definitions continue to align with the amended stalking definitions.
The bill amends s. 784.048, F.S., the state’s stalking statute, and makes conforming changes to s. 901.02 on arrest warrants, s. 921.0022 on offense severity rankings, s. 948.06 on probation/community control revocation, s. 948.062 on review of serious offenses by supervised offenders, and related cross-referenced provisions. It would increase criminal exposure for stalking and cyberstalking conduct, especially when directed at justice system personnel, and would place the new offense within Florida’s felony sentencing framework as a third-degree felony. It also updates school bullying and religious/ethnic harassment statutes to preserve consistency with the revised stalking definitions.
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the available record. Based on the bill text, the measure appears to be framed as a public-safety and victim-protection bill, with a particular focus on stalking, cyberstalking, and harassment of justice system personnel. The overall tone of the legislation is protective and punitive rather than controversial on its face, though it does broaden criminal liability and enforcement tools.
The main potential points of contention are the expanded definitions of stalking-related conduct and the new aggravated stalking offense for harassment of justice system personnel. Critics could view the broadened language around third-party conduct, cameras, drones, and internet-connected systems as potentially sweeping, while supporters would likely argue it is needed to address modern stalking tactics. Another possible issue is the warrant provision, which expands circumstances under which courts may issue arrest warrants in misdemeanor cases, including stalking-related offenses. No specific individuals or groups are identified in the available discussion materials, but the affected parties include alleged stalkers, victims, justice system personnel, courts, prosecutors, and probation/community control authorities.