BREAKING: Gov. DeSantis signs expansive capital punishment legislation into law.
Late yesterday, Gov. DeSantis signed two bills that expand capital punishment in the State, broadening Florida's execution methods and statutory aggravating factors.
Late yesterday, Gov. DeSantis signed two bills that expand capital punishment in the State. He did not hold a press conference or otherwise announce the move.
Execution Methods
The first bill expands Florida’s execution methods to any method that is not determined unconstitutional—i.e., any method that currently exists or is created in the future. The relevant language is below:
This provision was controversial at the end of the legislative process but was ultimately passed.
The law goes into effect July 1, 2025.
You can read more about the legislation here.
Rep. Jacques, who sponsored the bill, announced the signing on Twitter:
Additional Aggravating Factor
The second bill adds an aggravating factor to Florida’s capital sentencing scheme. The relevant language is below:
Under caselaw from the U.S. Supreme Court and Florida Supreme Court, the jury’s finding of the existence of one aggravating factor beyond a reasonable doubt is what makes a capital defendant eligible for the death penalty.
The law goes into effect October 1, 2025.
You can read more about the legislation on the Senate’s website here.