Every year, Florida lawmakers update state laws. Some changes can have a profound impact on individuals accused of crimes — including how prosecutors file charges, how courts adjudicate cases, and what penalties may be applied. If you or someone you care about is facing criminal charges in Florida, it is crucial to determine whether those changes apply to your specific situation.
If you’re dealing with a criminal case now, act quickly.
If you’ve been charged, arrested, or are under investigation — contact Law Offices of Greg Rosenfeld, P.A. as soon as possible by filling out our contact form or calling (561) 902-1122. Getting the right legal guidance early gives you the strongest chance to protect your rights and prepare a defense under the newest laws.
What Has Changed — Key 2025–2026 Statute Updates
Tougher Penalties — More Serious Classification for Fleeing / Eluding and Other Vehicle Crimes
- Under HB 113, the crime of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement can now carry more severe consequences. The law removes the old requirement that the police vehicle display agency insignia before the crime applies.
- The statewide sentencing system — the Offense Severity Ranking Chart (OSRC) — has been updated. Some fleeing offenses now rank higher, meaning minimum sentences could be harsher.
- Also, under HB 253, certain crimes involving license plate tampering or devices to obscure a plate — once minor infractions — are now misdemeanors or even felonies. That includes owning or selling a “plate flipper” device.
What this means: Behavior that once triggered only a traffic ticket — or a low-level criminal charge — may now expose you to harsher charges or felony-level consequences.
Harder Hits for Crimes Involving Animals
With Dexter’s Law and Trooper’s Law, Florida significantly stiffened penalties for certain cruelty-to-animal offenses.
- Abandoning or restraining pets during a natural disaster can now amount to a third-degree felony, with penalties up to five years in prison and large fines.
- For severe “aggravated cruelty” — cases involving torture, serious injury, or death of an animal — the law now applies a sentencing multiplier, raising the punishment scale.
If you are accused of any crime against an animal — even neglect in a storm or hurricane — these updated laws can have serious long-term consequences.
Digital Crimes and Expanded Child-Safety Laws
The digital world is now more prominent in criminal law. Under HB 757, what once might have been viewed as borderline “internet misconduct” may now be charged as a serious felony:
- Possessing or distributing lewd or pornographic images — including deepfakes or AI-generated content — with the intent to promote can now be a second-degree felony.
- Soliciting child pornography, or creating/distributing AI-generated illicit images, is now a third-degree felony.
The threshold for crimes involving minors has also been lowered. For example, under HB 777, the prohibited “luring” laws now apply to children under the age of 14 (instead of under 12 previously), and broaden the types of situations covered.
These changes reflect how seriously the state treats digital-age offenses — meaning even online behavior can trigger felony-level charges.
Updated Court Procedure Rules — What That Means for Pretrial & Sentencing
Due to the new laws, the state has updated its court procedure rules. As of late 2025, amendments were made to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.992, which governs how sentencing scores are calculated for offenders.
This affects how judges compute sentences — especially in cases with “enhancements,” like fleeing from police, animal cruelty, or other aggravated crimes.
That means if you’re convicted now, your sentence could be significantly different than under the old rules.
What These Changes Mean for Someone Facing Charges Right Now
Charges Might Be More Severe Than Before
What once might have been a “minor” offense — license plate tampering, fleeing police, certain digital crimes — can now carry felony charges or harsher sentences under the updated laws. Prosecutors may act more aggressively.
You Could Face New Sentencing Rules
With the updated severity chart and sentencing multipliers, even similar crimes may lead to longer minimum sentences. Your past record, timing of offense, and nature of the charge could matter more.
Timing Matters — When the Crime Happened vs When the Law Changed
Because many of the changes take effect July 1, 2025 or October 1, 2025, it matters whether your alleged crime happened before or after those dates. Courts generally apply the law in effect at the time of the offense.
If you were charged after a law changed — even if the conduct is the same — you may be subject to stricter treatment.
Legal Strategy May Need to Change
If you are charged under older statutes, defense may proceed differently than under new laws. If charged after the update — especially with potential enhanced charges — early, skilled legal guidance is vital to protect your rights.
What You Should Do Next — Practical Steps
- If you’re charged or under investigation — contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Waiting can limit your options, especially under these new laws.
- Share the details — when the alleged crime occurred, what you’re accused of, and any relevant records. The timing and nature of the allegation will affect how the new statutes apply.
- Ask for a full review of the charges in light of new legislation. Your attorney should analyze whether old or new laws apply, and what defenses might work.
- Avoid discussing the matter with police or other parties without legal advice. Statements or admissions can be used against you — especially under stricter digital-crime laws.
Defense for Criminal Cases in FL
At Law Offices of Greg Rosenfeld, P.A., we understand that changes to Florida criminal laws — especially recently — create confusion and fear for people facing charges. We are prepared to review your case, help you understand how the new statutes apply, and build a defense tailored to your situation.
If you are under investigation or have been charged: call us at (561) 902-1122 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. With today’s laws in flux, early action matters.
Staying informed about 2025–2026 updates to Florida criminal statutes can make a real difference for anyone facing charges. The rules have changed — and how your case is handled could change too. If you need help understanding what it all means for you, we’re here to provide guidance and support when it counts most.