FloridaHB 10492025House

Tampering with, Harassing, or Retaliating against Court Officials

Sponsored By: Jenna Persons-Mulicka (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AppropriationCriminal Justice SubcommitteeJudiciary CommitteeFiscal Policy

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Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 3 mixed.

Criminal penalties for interfering with courts

Beginning October 1, 2025, knowingly using intimidation, force, threats, misleading conduct, or offers of money to obstruct justice through a court official is a crime. The law also covers intent to affect an official investigation or proceeding; attorneys performing their duties are excluded. Tampering is a third-degree felony for matters with an unknown offense level or county-court misdemeanor or noncriminal matters. It is a second-degree felony for third-degree felony or circuit-court noncriminal matters, and a first-degree felony for second-degree felony matters. First-degree felony matters bring a first-degree felony penalty, allowing up to life when the underlying crime allows it; life or capital matters bring a life felony. Intentional harassment that blocks or attempts to block attendance, a fair verdict, or required juror behavior is also a crime. Harassment penalties range from a first-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree felony, with up to life for qualifying serious felony matters.

Felony penalties for court official retaliation

Beginning October 1, 2025, retaliation against a court official for participating in an official investigation or proceeding carries felony penalties. Knowingly threatening bodily injury, damaging another person's physical property, or threatening that damage is a third-degree felony. If the conduct causes bodily injury, it is a second-degree felony.

Court interference expands civil and gang cases

Beginning October 1, 2025, court-official tampering, harassment, retaliation, and evidence tampering enter additional legal enforcement lists. The listed offenses count as criminal activity for chapter 772 civil claims when chargeable by indictment or information. This broadens the basis for those claims and the legal exposure of people facing them. The offenses also count on a criminal-gang list when committed to benefit, promote, or further a gang's interests.

More court workers gain threat protections

Beginning October 1, 2025, Florida extends threat and harassment protections to general and special magistrates, child support hearing officers, and their administrative assistants. Knowingly and willfully threatening a covered person or family member with death or serious bodily harm is a first-degree misdemeanor. A second or later threat violation is a third-degree felony. Knowing and willful harassment meant to pressure a covered person into performing or avoiding a lawful duty is a first-degree misdemeanor.

Standalone juror influence crime is removed

Beginning October 1, 2025, Florida removes the standalone third-degree felony for influencing a grand or trial juror to obstruct justice. The removed offense covered decisions on matters pending before the juror or legally able to come before them. The law also removes that offense from the Level 4 sentencing chart. These changes do not establish that all attempts to influence jurors are legal.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jenna Persons-Mulicka
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Criminal Justice Subcommittee
Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 265 • No: 0

House vote • 4/30/2025

House Floor Vote

Yes: 113 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/24/2025

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 36 • No: 0

House vote • 4/16/2025