28 May 2025 :

May 22, 2025 - Florida. Gov. DeSantis signs expansive capital punishment legislation into law.

Late May 22, Gov. DeSantis signed 2 bills that expand capital punishment in the State, broadening Florida’s execution methods and statutory aggravating factors.

The 1st bill (House Bill 903 and Senate Bill 1604) 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.

This provision was controversial at the end of the legislative process but was ultimately passed.
The law goes into effect July 1, 2025.

The 2nd bill (HB 693 and SB 984) adds an aggravating factor to Florida’s capital sentencing scheme, enhancing penalties for capital crimes committed at public gatherings.

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.

https://fladeathpenalty.substack.com/p/breaking-gov-desantis-signs-expansive