DeSantis signs five public safety bills into law, gives police and prosecutors more tools against dangerous crime
Florida – Earlier this week, Gov. Ron DeSantis put his signature on five public safety bills that state leaders say are meant to give law enforcement stronger tools, raise penalties for violent offenders and tighten Florida’s response to dangerous drugs, gangs and repeat criminals.
The package continues a law-and-order agenda that DeSantis has made central to his time in office. His administration has pointed to earlier moves such as blocking local governments from defunding police departments, increasing penalties for crimes against officers, raising officer pay, expanding recruitment incentives and issuing more than 10,000 law enforcement recruitment bonuses. State officials also said Florida has reached a 50-year low in crime during his administration.
“Today, I was proud to sign five bills to enhance public safety and support law enforcement,” DeSantis said.
“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.”
One of the measures, SB 432, creates trafficking penalties for xylazine, commonly known as “tranq.” The bill also strengthens penalties for people who market dangerous substances to children and includes “Meg’s Law,” aimed at the misuse of nitrous oxide.
Another bill, SB 1332, focuses on career offenders. It strengthens Florida’s Career Offender Registration Act by requiring in-person registration, adding enhanced reporting rules, improving information sharing among law enforcement agencies and increasing accountability for those who fail to comply.
The state is also updating how it handles gang-related prosecutions. HB 429 modernizes Florida’s criminal gang statutes by recognizing online admissions, social media activity and other current signs of gang affiliation when prosecutors seek to establish gang involvement.
The package also includes SB 156, known as the Officer Jason Raynor Act. The law strengthens protections for officers, increases penalties for violent crimes committed against them and honors Officer Jason Raynor, who was killed in the line of duty while serving the Daytona Beach community.
A fifth bill, SB 436, increases penalties for repeat violent offenders, expands felony enhancement provisions for battery offenses and adds stronger consequences for people who commit violent crimes against law enforcement officers after release from prison.
Attorney General James Uthmeier called the effort “common sense,” saying the laws will help prosecutors keep dangerous predators and drugs away from children. Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass said the bills send a clear message that state leaders are standing behind public safety and giving officers more tools to confront criminals.
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Together, the five bills mark another step in Florida’s broader push to back law enforcement, sharpen penalties and hold violent offenders accountable.
