Florida Governor Signs Bills Strengthening Child Protections

New laws increase penalties for sexual offenses and expand safeguards for minors

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:16pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a government building in Tallahassee, Florida, with warm sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and civic duty.New Florida laws aim to strengthen protections for children and increase penalties for sexual offenses, reflecting the state's commitment to child safety.Tallahassee Today

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed two new bills into law that aim to strengthen protections for children and increase penalties for sexual offenses. House Bill 445, known as Missy's Law, and House Bill 1159 were signed into law, expanding safeguards for minors and imposing harsher punishments on those who commit sexual crimes.

Why it matters

These new laws demonstrate Florida's commitment to prioritizing child safety and cracking down on predatory behavior. The increased penalties are intended to serve as a stronger deterrent against sexual offenses, while the expanded protections aim to better shield vulnerable minors from harm.

The details

Missy's Law enhances penalties for sexual offenses against children, while House Bill 1159 includes provisions to expand background check requirements and other safeguards for organizations that work with minors. The new legislation is named after Missy Bevers, a Texas woman who was murdered in 2016 while preparing to lead an early morning fitness class.

  • Governor DeSantis signed the bills into law on March 31, 2026.

The players

Governor Ron DeSantis

The current Governor of Florida, known for his conservative policies and strong stances on issues like child protection.

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What they’re saying

“Justice demands that those who victimize innocent people face swift and meaningful consequences.”

— Governor Ron DeSantis

What’s next

The new laws will go into effect immediately, with the enhanced penalties for sexual offenses against children expected to be a key focus of state prosecutors moving forward.

The takeaway

These legislative actions demonstrate Florida's commitment to prioritizing child safety and cracking down on sexual predators, sending a strong message that the state will not tolerate the exploitation of minors.