Every year, new criminal laws go into effect in Florida, and July 1, 2025, is no exception. As a criminal defense attorney practicing across Florida for decades, I pay close attention to these changes because they directly impact people like you—those facing arrest, prosecution, or investigations. This year, Florida lawmakers passed over 70 new statutes, but several stand out because they reshape how criminal cases will be charged, investigated, and sentenced.
Some of the most significant changes involve aggravated animal cruelty, hoax emergency calls (known as "swatting"), extreme speeding, dangerous dogs, and teenage drug-related deaths involving fentanyl. These aren't minor adjustments. They redefine criminal exposure and can carry longer prison sentences, mandatory restitution, and lifelong consequences—even for first-time offenders.
If you or someone you love is arrested or under investigation after July 1, 2025, you need to know what these new laws mean and how they could affect your case. The police, prosecutors, and courts will be enforcing these statutes immediately. That's why early legal representation is critical. I've already begun preparing defense strategies for these updated laws. What follows is a breakdown of the criminal laws you need to be aware of and how hiring a private attorney can give you the best chance at protecting your rights and your future.
Let's get into what you need to know.
1. HB 255 "Dexter's Law" – Aggravated Animal Cruelty
What it does:
This law boosts penalties for aggravated animal cruelty under § 828.12(2), Fla. Stat., by adding a 1.25× sentencing multiplier when the torture or torment causes injury, mutilation, or death. It also requires the FDLE to publish the the names of offenders (convicted or pleading nolo contendere) in a searchable database.
Why it matters:
A third-degree felony (max 5 years prison, $10,000 fine) can suddenly become significantly more severe—longer prison time, higher fines.
How a private lawyer helps:
I'd scrutinize whether the defendant's actions truly met the aggravated cruelty definition. Was intent proven? Did the animal suffer? A strong defense may remove the multiplier, reducing sentencing substantially.
2. HB 279 – "Swatting" Enhancements
What it does:
This law toughens punishment for hoax 911 calls ("swatting") that result in serious bodily harm or death. It raises felony levels, includes mandatory restitution and cost recovery, and adds points to the Criminal Punishment Code ranking.
Why it matters:
"Prank" calls can now lead to third- or second-degree felonies with significant prison time—not just misdemeanors.
Why you need a private attorney:
A lawyer can argue that the prosecution must show that the caller knows that real danger could occur. We also evaluate whether harm resulted directly from the call. A precise legal defense might prevent felony charges or reduce scoring under the sentencing code.
3. HB 351 – Dangerous Excessive Speeding
Details:
Creates § 316.1922, Fla. Stat. A driver going 50+ MPH over the limit or 100+ MPH in any event commits a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. Repeat offenses within 5 years carry up to 90 days jail, $1,000 fine, and license revocation for 6–12 months.
What's new:
Extreme speeding shifts from noncriminal to criminal. A first-time speed-run can now lead to a criminal record.
Defense strategy:
I'd examine speed measurement methods (radar, pacing) for accuracy. Maybe the officer used faulty radar or improperly timed. If the measurement is unreliable, we attack the State's case, aiming to dismiss or downgrade it to a civil violation.
4. HB 593 "Pam Rock Act" – Dangerous Dog Offenses
Effect:
This adds criminal provisions to the dangerous-dog statute (§ 767.11 Fla. Stat.), making it a felony when the dog causes serious injury or death, increases penalties for reckless owners, and allows euthanasia orders. It also requires microchipping and liability insurance, and criminalizes resisting animal-control orders.
Why it's significant:
Dangerous dog cases may now lead to felony charges, not just civil fines. This shifts the stakes: jail time, record, insurance premiums.
Legal aid needed:
Owning a "dangerous dog" becomes high risk. A legal expert can argue due process violations (was classification proper?), challenge injury severity, and contest constitutionality of euthanasia and microchipping mandates.
5. SB 612 – Fentanyl Distribution Resulting in Death
Overview:
Creates a new second-degree felony for an under-18 dealer whose fentanyl-laced drugs cause fatal overdose. This is criminal murder, not just a drug offense.
Why it matters:
Teen dealers now risk being charged with murder, not just trafficking—even if they didn't intend the overdose.
Why defense matters:
Defense counsel can question causation (was the fentanyl from this teen?), intent, and the dealer's awareness of the substance. A strong legal team scrutinizes forensic evidence, expert testimony, and chain of custody.
Why private criminal defense matters for each law
- Sentencing multipliers (Dexter's Law) can dramatically elevate outcomes. A dedicated attorney uncovers factual or procedural challenges to mitigate or remove enhancements.
- Novel criminal categories (swatting, extreme speeding, fatal fentanyl) bring harsher penalties—often the first time individuals face jail for these actions. I critique measurement, intent, and causation to fight charges or reduce punishment.
- Ensuring procedural fairness: challenges to classification processes, officer training, measurement accuracy, or notice procedures can get key evidence tossed.
Public defenders handle many cases, but private attorneys offer tailored attention—analyzing unique facts, subpoenaing records, consulting experts, and crafting individualized defense strategies.
Real-world defense scenario
Case example:
A client faced a dangerous-excessive speeding charge after being clocked at 105 MPH on I-95. The officer used radar that hadn't been calibrated recently. I subpoenaed calibration logs and found the device was overdue. Without reliable measurement, the prosecution dropped the criminal charge; it was reduced to a civil infraction. The client avoided jail and kept his record clean—something that mattered for his job.
Bottom line
- HB 255: sentencing escalated with a 1.25× multiplier and public registry.
- HB 279: swatting is no longer a prank; it can be a serious felony.
- HB 351: extreme speeding now triggers misdemeanor or repeated penalties.
- HB 593: dog attacks can now bring felony charges and euthanasia mandates.
- SB 612: teen fentanyl distribution may lead to homicide charges.
Each law brings new criminal exposure. For anyone charged under these, consulting with a private criminal attorney ASAP is essential. We dig into every step—stop, test, classification, intent, causation—to identify weaknesses and protect your future.
Want to protect your rights?
Contact Musca Law 24/7/365 at 1‑888‑484‑5057 For Your FREE Consultation – Musca Law, P.A. has a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys dedicated to defending people charged with a criminal or traffic offense. We are available 24/7/365 at 1‑888‑484‑5057 for your FREE consultation. We have 30 office locations in Florida and serve all counties in Florida.
FAQs
How does the sentencing multiplier under Dexter's Law apply?
If you're convicted of aggravated animal cruelty that knowingly involves torture causing injury, mutilation, or death, the court multiplies your subtotal sentencing points by 1.25 under § 921.0024(1)(b), Fla. Stat. This means you could face a longer prison term or harsher sanctions than before. A private lawyer can challenge whether your actions qualify as "torture," potentially avoiding the multiplier entirely.
What can I do if I'm arrested for swatting and someone is hurt?
Under HB 279, you're facing a serious felony with required restitution and cost recovery. But prosecutors must prove you intended your false call to produce an emergency and foresee that harm could result. That's often hard to prove. A savvy criminal defense attorney can pressure-proof this intent element, push for reduced charges, or argue your actions didn't legally cause the harm.
I've been cited for 110 MPH—what now?
Under HB 351, you're immediately facing a second-degree misdemeanor—jail, fine, criminal record. But states must prove speed over 50 MPH and that your driving endangered others. We examine officer training, radar calibration, whether traffic was present, and other factors—many cases get reduced or dismissed.
My neighbor's dog bit someone—can I be charged?
Yes, if your dog was officially classified as "dangerous" and caused serious injury, HB 593 allows felony charges and even euthanasia. However, the state must follow strict notice and classification steps. If they skipped steps or your dog didn't actually pose a danger, a lawyer can fight classification, reduce severity, or have devices (like microchips/notices) challenged as overreach.
My teen sold pills laced with fentanyl; buyer overdosed. Now what?
SB 612 exposes your teen to second-degree murder charges. Prosecutors must show the pills were fentanyl and that distribution caused the death. We'd demand toxicology proof, question whether the teen knew their product contained fentanyl, and examine chain-of-custody. A strong attorney can reduce charges to trafficking, manslaughter, or assault rather than murder.
How fast should I contact a lawyer?
Ideally immediately after arrest, citation, or investigation. These laws allow criminal exposure quickly. Time limits for evidence gathering, expert review, and filing motions are short. A private attorney mobilizes fast, preserving your options—especially for suppression, calibration logs, intent evidence, or classification procedures.
Can a public defender do the same job?
Public defenders are skilled but often spread thin. They may not have time to investigate radar calibration, challenge database classifications, or hire experts. Your case may be closed with minimal resistance. A private attorney offers dedicated attention, strategic resources, and deeper defense—especially when harsh or novel criminal charges are at play.
Does every extreme speeding citation become criminal?
Yes, if you go at least 50 MPH over the limit or any speed 100+ MPH, Florida law makes it a misdemeanor. However, it can still be reduced or dismissed if the speed measurement is unreliable or if procedural errors occur. That's why early legal help makes a difference.
What if I'm innocent?
A private lawyer fights on every front. We access dashcams, bodycams, calibration logs, video, sworn affidavits, and certification records. We pursue motions to suppress evidence or throw out charges. We go to trial if needed. Yourreputation—and record—matters. Strong representation can mean the difference between freedom and conviction.
Contact Musca Law 24/7/365 at 1‑888‑484‑5057 For Your FREE Consultation
Musca Law, P.A. has a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys dedicated to defending people charged with a criminal or traffic offense. We are available 24/7/365 at 1‑888‑484‑5057 for your FREE consultation. We have 30 office locations in Florida and serve all counties in Florida.