13 May 2025 :

May 4, 2025 - Florida. Florida Death Penalty Expansion Bills Await Governor DeSantis’ Signature

HB 1283/SB 1804, HB 653/SB 776, HB 693/SB 984, HB 903/SB 1604

As of May 4, 2025, the Florida Legislature has passed 4 controversial bills significantly expanding the state’s use of the death penalty. All 4 await the signature of Governor Ron DeSantis.

House Bill 1283 and Senate Bill 1804 expand Capital Punishment to Non-Homicide Human Trafficking
HB 1283 and SB 1804 would authorize the death penalty for certain non-homicide crimes involving human trafficking.

HB 1283 passed the House by a vote of 95–17 an April 30, while SB 1804 passed the Senate 27–11 on April 28. 

House Bill 653 and Senate Bill 776 Add Aggravating Factors for Crimes Against Heads of State
HB 653 and SB 776 would add a new aggravating factor for capital felonies committed against foreign or domestic heads of state.

HB 653 passed the House 99–13 on April 24, while SB 776 passed the Senate 25–12 on April 29.

House Bill 693 and Senate Bill 984 Enhance Penalties for Capital Crimes Committed at Public Gatherings
HB 693 and SB 984 propose a new aggravating factor for capital crimes committed during certain public gatherings.

HB 693 passed the House 96–10 on April 3. SB 984 passed the Senate 32–5 on April 24.

House Bill 903 and Senate Bill 1604 Expand Execution Methods
HB 903 and SB 1604 seeks to expand Florida’s authorized execution methods

HB 903 passed the House 83–33 on April 16. The Senate adopted the House version and passed it 26–11 on April 29.

Legal analysts and human rights organizations warn that some of the bills, particularly those allowing capital punishment for non-homicide crimes, may be unconstitutional under existing Supreme Court precedent—namely, Kennedy v. Louisiana (2008).

https://davisvanguard.org/2025/05/florida-death-penalty-bills-await-desantis/