In a rare display of bipartisanj unity, the Florida Legislature has passed one of the most significant domestic violence reform measures in the state’s recent history. House Bill 277, which makes it easier to keep victims of domestic violence safe and hold their abusers accountable under the law, passed the Florida Senate unanimously after passing the Florida House the previous week without a single opposing vote.
The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Ron iDeSantis.
A Bill Born From Yet Another Tragedy
The legislation was inspired in part by Jennie Carter of West Palm Beach, whose ex-husband killed both of their children in 2009. Stories like hers gave the reform movement its moral urgency and helped push lawmakers toward action.
The bill’s sponsor, State Rep. Debra Tendrich of Lake Worth, opened debate in the House with a deeply personal account of surviving domestic violence. “Have any of you ever been held at gunpoint before? If not, imagine that moment,” Tendrich told her colleagues. “Every move you make is calculated. Every word you say is carefully chosen because you fear the trigger being pulled. Living with domestic violence is very similar.”
Her message to survivors was equally powerful: “No matter what part of domestic violence you are a part of — whether you lost a family member, whether you’re a victim yourself, a survivor — just know that I’m making domestic violence reform a priority.”
What the Bill Does
HB 277 is a multi-pronged reform that addresses some of the most glaring gaps in Florida’s existing protections. Key provisions include:
- Tougher penalties for repeat offenders. The bill reclassifies penalties for committing a domestic violence offense if the person has a prior conviction for domestic violence.
- GPS monitoring pilot program. A pilot program in Pinellas County will allow courts to order electronic monitoring for certain offenders on probation who pose a threat to victims. A companion pilot program through the Department of Corrections in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, covering Pinellas and Pasco counties, will also launch. As Rep. Tendrich noted, “Protection should not expire at the courthouse door.”
- A statewide protective order database. The bill creates a statewide database for protective orders , ensuring law enforcement across all jurisdictions can access and enforce them consistently.
- Easier access to protective orders. The bill revises the information contained in petitions for domestic violence injunctions and revises the factors a judge may consider in determining whether to grant a petition , lowering barriers for victims seeking protection.
- Financial assistance for relocation. The bill provides additional financial assistance to victims so they can relocate away from their abusers — a critical lifeline for survivors who often face economic barriers to leaving dangerous situations.
Unanimous, Bipartisan Support
The bill passed the Florida House with 112 votes in favor and none opposed. In a remarkable show of solidarity, 114 House members signed on as co-sponsors after the vote. The unanimous Senate passage that followed sent a clear message: protecting survivors is not a partisan issue.
What Comes Next
The bill now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk, and he has until the end of June to sign House Bill 277 into law. If signed, most provisions are set to take effect July 1, 2026.
Rep. Tendrich has also signaled that this bill is only the beginning. She plans to spend the summer traveling the state on a domestic violence listening and legislative tour, meeting with survivors and community leaders to identify additional gaps in Florida law.
A Message of Hope
For too long, survivors have navigated a system that offered incomplete protections — restraining orders with no enforcement teeth, offenders with no accountability, and victims with nowhere to go. HB 277 begins to change that.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available 24/7. Call or text 1-800-799-SAFE.