FloridaFlorida law uses multiple signs to identify criminal gang membership
Starting October 1, 2026, Florida law includes certain gang-related statements and online language among the criteria used to assess gang membership.
What it does
Florida law defines a criminal gang member as someone who meets at least two listed criteria, including statements, signs of gang affiliation, or contact with known members.
Florida law defines gang-related language to include speech and writing that signal gang ties, support gang activity, or use recognized gang codes or terms.
Argument forOfficials may consider several kinds of evidence, including a person's own statements and signs of gang affiliation, when assessing membership.
Argument againstOfficials could rely on signs like clothing, tattoos, or contact with known members, which may label someone a gang member without showing a specific crime.
More detail
Florida law defines a criminal gang member as a person who meets at least two listed criteria. The definition applies when Florida law assesses whether a person is a criminal gang member. The criteria include statements, identification by others, signs of gang affiliation, and communications or associations linked to a gang. One act or transaction may count toward more than one criterion. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
Florida law defines gang-related language as statements that signal gang ties, support gang activity, or use recognized gang codes or terms. The language must be associated with criminal organizations. The definition covers spoken and written statements, including digital or electronic statements on online platforms or social media. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 17Chapter No. 2026-156Latest
- Jun 16Approved by Governor Ron DeSantisBecame Law
- Jun 9Signed by Officers and presented to GovernorTo Governor
- Mar 10Ordered enrolledMinor
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 10In Messages
- Mar 10CS passed; YEAS 29 NAYS 9Passed Senate
- Mar 10Read 3rd timeMinor
- Mar 10Read 2nd timeMinor
- Mar 10Substituted for CS/CS/SB 536
- Mar 10Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading
- Mar 10Withdrawn from RulesMajor
- Feb 10ReceivedMinor
- Feb 9Referred to RulesMinor
- Feb 4In Messages
- Vote recorded Passage, Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 4CS passed; YEAS 100, NAYS 7Passed House
- Feb 4Read 3rd timeMinor
- Feb 4Added to Third Reading Calendar
- Feb 4Read 2nd timeMinor
- Jan 29Bill added to Special Order Calendar (2/4/2026)
- Jan 22Added to Second Reading Calendar
- Vote recorded Favorable (Judiciary Committee). Result: pass.Lower
- Jan 22Bill released to House Calendar
- Jan 22Reported out of Judiciary Committee
- Jan 22Favorable by Judiciary CommitteeMinor
- Jan 20Added to Judiciary Committee agenda
- Jan 16Now in Judiciary Committee
- Jan 16Referred to Judiciary CommitteeMinor
- Jan 151st Reading (Committee Substitute 1)Minor
- Jan 14CS FiledMinor
- Vote recorded Favorable With Committee Substitute (Criminal Justice Subcommittee). Result: pass.Lower
- Jan 14Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)Minor
- Jan 14Reported out of Criminal Justice Subcommittee
- Jan 14Favorable with CS by Criminal Justice SubcommitteeMinor
- Jan 131st Reading (Original Filed Version)Minor
- Jan 12Added to Criminal Justice Subcommittee agenda
- 2025
- Nov 24Now in Criminal Justice Subcommittee
- Nov 24Referred to Judiciary CommitteeMinor
- Nov 24Referred to Criminal Justice SubcommitteeMinor
- Nov 14FiledIntroduced
Criminal Justice