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FloridaSB 1562026Senate

Criminal Offenses Against Law Enforcement Officers and Other Personnel

Sponsored By: Thomas J. "Tom" Leek (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AppropriationCriminal JusticeAppropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil JusticeRulesHouse Calendar

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Broader felony rules for violent resistance

Knowingly and willfully using or offering violence to resist, obstruct, or oppose covered officers or authorized persons is a third-degree felony. The protected person must be carrying out legal process or performing official duties described in Florida law. Coverage includes officers listed in the public-safety definitions and other legally authorized persons. The law replaces the earlier wording requiring lawful performance of a legal duty.

Broader penalties for attacking on-duty workers

Enhanced assault and battery penalties apply when someone knowingly attacks listed workers performing official duties. Covered workers include officers, firefighters, emergency medical and hospital staff, transit and utility workers, and other listed personnel. The law replaces the earlier requirement that those duties be performed lawfully. Battery against covered personnel also moves from Level 4 to Level 5 on Florida’s sentencing chart. That higher ranking affects sentencing calculations but does not itself set a specific sentence.

Life sentences for listed officer manslaughter

The law adds manslaughter under section 782.07(1) to offenses requiring life imprisonment with no eligibility for release. The victim must be a listed law enforcement, correctional, or correctional probation officer performing official duties. The judge or jury must find both the qualifying offense and the victim’s covered status and duties beyond a reasonable doubt.

Tighter limits on resisting officer force

People cannot use or threaten force to resist arrest, detention, or official duties when an officer acts in good faith. The officer must be known or reasonably appear to be a law enforcement officer. Good faith means sincere, reasonable efforts to follow the law, even when the officer’s action is later found unlawful. The law also removes a specific restriction on officers or their helpers using force during duties they know are unlawful. Removing that restriction does not make force lawful in every situation.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Thomas J. "Tom" Leek

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

    Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 164 • No: 17

House vote • 3/11/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 103 • No: 8

Senate vote • 1/29/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 31 • No: 4

Senate vote • 1/27/2026

Rules Vote

Yes: 19 • No: 3

Senate vote • 1/14/2026

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Vote

Yes: 6 • No: 1

Senate vote • 12/9/2025

Criminal Justice Vote

Yes: 5 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter No. 2026-144

    6/17/2026

  2. Approved by Governor

    6/16/2026

  3. Signed by Officers and presented to Governor

    6/9/2026

  4. Ordered enrolled

    3/17/2026Senate

  5. CS passed; YEAS 103, NAYS 8

    3/11/2026House

  6. Read 3rd time

    3/11/2026House

  7. Added to Third Reading Calendar

    3/11/2026House

  8. Read 2nd time

    3/11/2026House

  9. 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 1)

    3/10/2026House

  10. Bill added to Special Order Calendar (3/11/2026)

    3/10/2026House

  11. Bill referred to House Calendar

    3/10/2026House

  12. In Messages

    1/29/2026House

  13. Immediately certified -SJ 236

    1/29/2026Senate

  14. CS passed; YEAS 31 NAYS 4 -SJ 232

    1/29/2026Senate

  15. Read 3rd time -SJ 232

    1/29/2026Senate

  16. Read 2nd time -SJ 232

    1/29/2026Senate

  17. Placed on Special Order Calendar, 01/29/26

    1/27/2026Senate

  18. Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

    1/27/2026Senate

  19. Favorable by- Rules; YEAS 19 NAYS 3

    1/27/2026Senate

  20. CS by Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice read 1st time

    1/22/2026Senate

  21. On Committee agenda-- Rules, 01/27/26, 9:00 am, 412 Knott Building

    1/22/2026Senate

  22. Now in Rules

    1/16/2026Senate

  23. Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute)

    1/16/2026Senate

  24. CS by Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice; YEAS 6 NAYS 1

    1/14/2026Senate

  25. Introduced

    1/13/2026Senate

Bill Text

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