Rep. Debra Tendrich has filed legislation to expand Florida’s hate crime statute to include crimes motivated by political ideology.
The bill (HB 143) would raise penalties for politically driven offenses, elevating misdemeanors and felonies to higher classifications.
Tendrich, a Lake Worth Democrat, pointed to recent politically motivated killings nationwide, including attacks on liberal politicians like Melissa Hortman and conservative figures like Charlie Kirk.
“Violence fueled by political hatred is still hate,” she said.
If Tendrich’s proposal passes, Florida would join a small group of states that explicitly treat political violence as a hate crime.
The measure would take effect Oct. 1, 2026.
– Jesse Scheckner, Florida Politics, The South FL 100