Florida Passes New Laws Regarding Porn, Child Sex Crimes, Trafficking

June 10, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed five new laws aimed at strengthening protections for children and vulnerable people against sexual exploitation and abuse. These laws expand criminal penalties, tighten reporting requirements for sex offenders, and establish a legal path for removing sexually explicit deepfake images online. Here’s a look at these laws in more detail.

HB 1161 – Brooke’s Law: Removal of Altered Sexual Depictions Posted Without Consent

HB 1161 empowers victims of sexually explicit deepfakes by requiring websites and online platforms to create a clear and accessible removal process. Platforms must remove the reported content within 48 hours of receiving a written request from the victim.

Failure to comply constitutes a deceptive or unfair trade practice under Florida law and can result in civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, along with damages and legal fees. Platforms acting in good faith are protected from liability.

Named after Brooke Curry, who was targeted by a manipulated image at age 16, this law takes effect immediately.

HB 777 – Offenses Involving Children

HB 777, effective October 1, 2025, expands Florida’s laws against luring and enticing minors:

• Raises the protected age from under 12 to under 14
• Prohibits adults from attempting to lure a child under 14 into or out of a home, building, or vehicle for unlawful purposes
• Increases penalties:
  • First offense: upgraded to a third-degree felony
  • Subsequent offenses: upgraded to a second-degree felony
• Eliminates ignorance or mistaken belief of a victim’s age as a defense

HB 1351 – Registration of Sexual Predators and Offenders

This law, effective October 1, 2025, strengthens offender registration and tracking:

• Requires offenders to report occupation, employer details, and phone number
• Mandates notification of in-state travel residences within 48 hours via the FDLE system or local sheriff
• Increases address verification frequency:
  • Once per year for sexual offenders
  • Four times per year for sexual predators
• Clarifies that “permanent residence” refers to where the offender primarily lives

HB 1455 – Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Repeat Sexual Offenders

HB 1455, effective October 1, 2025, imposes strict minimum sentences on repeat sexual offenders:

• 10 years for:
  • Lewd or lascivious molestation (under 16 or of an elderly/disabled person)
  • Online solicitation of minors or child pornography possession
• 15 years for intent to promote child pornography
• 20 years for:
  • Child sexual performance offenses
  • Buying or selling minors

SB 1804 – Capital Human Trafficking of Vulnerable Persons

SB 1804, effective October 1, 2025, establishes a new capital felony: Capital Human Trafficking of Vulnerable Persons for Sexual Exploitation.

• Applies to adults who knowingly plan or manage trafficking operations involving:
  • Children under age 12
  • Mentally incapacitated or mentally defective individuals
• Punishable by life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty

Contact a Legal Professional for Help

These new laws can lead to strict punishment for offenders. Make sure you have someone on your side to protect your legal rights.

Judges and juries may be inclined to view the accused very unfavorably. A Florida minor sex offense lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit is ready to provide you with valuable advice and a strong defense to help ensure a fair trial and the best outcome. Schedule a consultation by filling out the online form or calling (352) 505-1799.

Source:

tallahassee.com/story/news/2025/06/11/florida-law-against-deepfake-nudes-sex-trafficking/84146284007/