East Volusia News

PETERSBURG, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed five pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing and creating additional criminal punishments for abusing children through grooming or other sexual offenses. The bills are designed to provide law enforcement with more tools to keep children safe and ensure that sexual predators and offenders face severe consequences.

"In Florida, we let kids be kids, and we protect children from those who seek to harm them," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "Today’s anti-grooming legislation punishes those who seek to prey on children and rob them of their innocence. Florida will continue to be the best state in the country to raise a family."

The new laws were met with support from various officials. Executive of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Director Dave Kerner emphasized the importance of swift and severe punishment for those who compromise a child's safety and innocence. Senator Jonathan Martin highlighted the significance of criminalizing harmful communication to minors to prevent physical trauma before it occurs.

Senator Jay Collins, a retired Green Beret, expressed his commitment to protection and praised the bills for continuing the legacy of safeguarding vulnerable individuals. The legislation signed by Governor DeSantis includes measures such as creating stricter guidelines for sex offender registration, establishing grant programs for online sting operations targeting predators, and expanding evidence in sex-abuse cases involving minors.

The bills signed today cover a range of areas, from preventing grooming activities and enhancing penalties for child exploitation to strengthening the role of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office and implementing new training requirements for law enforcement in domestic violence situations.

The new legislation represents a concerted effort to prioritize the safety and well-being of children in Florida, with a focus on preventing and punishing those who seek to harm minors through predatory behavior and sexual offenses. Governor DeSantis and the state officials involved in crafting and supporting these bills have reaffirmed their dedication to protecting families and ensuring a secure environment for children to thrive.