Stronger penalties for sex crimes signed into law

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(The Center Square) – Sex offenders and those who commit crimes against children will face stronger penalties in Florida under two bills second-term Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law Tuesday.

House Bill 445, also known as Missy’s Law, requires pretrial detention for anyone who pleads guilty or nolo contendere, or is found guilty of certain dangerous crimes including any violation related to computer pornography or child exploitation.

That means they will be held without bond until sentencing and will not be automatically released at their first appearance, which was previously allowable and part of what inspired the legislation in the first place.

“Last year, we proposed Missy's Law after the tragic murder of 5-year-old Missy Mogle at the hands of a convicted, abusive pedophile who was allowed to remain out on bond by Judge Tiffany Baker,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Missy’s Law removes judicial discretion and ensures dangerous criminals are locked up after conviction. I am grateful to Governor DeSantis for signing this bill, and Senator Martin and Representative Greco for carrying this legislation, and Missy’s memory, during the 2026 Legislative Session.”

Meanwhile, House Bill 1159 strengthens penalties related to child sex abuse material and expands mandatory minimum sentences. It also reclassifies certain crimes as more serious felonies including cases involving very young children.

For example, a repeat sexual offender can face mandatory prison time of 15 to 30 years, depending on the offense.

Offenses involving children under 12 will carry stronger mandatory prison time. Someone guilty of creating or distributing child sex abuse material, including AI-generated material, will face a minimum of five years in prison if they were 18 years old or above at the time.

Adults found guilty of aggravated exploitation of a child under 12 will face a life felony with a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison.

The bill also makes owning a “child-like sex doll” a third-degree felony. This was previously classified as a first-degree misdemeanor. It goes on to include protections for animals by making it a second-degree felony to engage in sexual contact with an animal.

“Justice demands that those who victimize innocent people face swift and meaningful consequences,” said DeSantis. “Today, I signed two important bills to strengthen law and order in Florida by holding dangerous criminals and sex offenders accountable for their crimes. In Florida, we will always fight to protect our children and deliver justice for victims of crimes.”

The law takes effect in July.