DeSantis signs bill that aims to toughen penalties for sex criminals

By Lydia Nusbaum

Published May. 25, 2023, 2:59 p.m. ET | Updated May. 25, 2023

Gov. Ron DeSantis signs "anti-crime" legislation in Titusville, Fla., May 1, 2023. (Video/Gov. Ron DeSantis' office)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation that aims to toughen penalties for sex criminals.

The governor’s office said it makes all attempted sexual misconduct criminals ineligible for “gain-time.” This is a Department of Corrections program that can shorten how long someone spends behind bars.

“There is no meaningful difference between a criminal that committed a crime of sexual violence and a criminal that attempted but failed to commit that same crime — neither deserve to have their sentences cut short,” DeSantis said.

According to the press release, the law eliminates sentence reduction eligibility for any person convicted of attempting, soliciting, or conspiring to commit an offense that is otherwise ineligible for the award of incentive gain-time.

“While other states endanger their citizens by prematurely putting criminals back on the streets, Florida will continue to enact policies to protect our communities from violent offenders,” he said in a press release.

Rep. David Silvers, R-Lake Clarke Shores, and Sen. Tracie Davis, D-Jacksonville, sponsored the legislation.

The governor said the legislation is part of his comprehensive law and order legislative proposal that he announced in January.