Laws St. Petersburg Residents Need to Know
As of October 1, 2025, several significant changes to Florida’s criminal statutes will take effect, many of which carry harsher penalties and expanded definitions of existing crimes. For anyone facing criminal charges in St. Petersburg or across Pinellas County, understanding these new laws is essential.
Given our experience handling complex criminal defense cases, Bastos Defense is closely following these updates to ensure our clients receive the strongest possible representation. Below, we break down the most important new laws going into effect this October.
House Bill 777: Expanded Penalties for Luring Children Under 14
Florida has long treated crimes involving minors with severity, and HB 777 heightens those penalties even further. Under the new statute, individuals accused of luring children under the age of 14 now face enhanced sentencing ranges and reclassified charges. Prosecutors will have greater leverage in seeking lengthy prison terms, making the stakes higher than ever for anyone accused of this offense.
How Bastos Defense Can Help
Allegations involving minors are especially sensitive and often rely on digital evidence, witness testimony, or law enforcement sting operations. Bastos Defense is skilled at challenging questionable evidence and using the full extent of the law to work to protect clients’ constitutional rights throughout the legal process.
Senate Bill 1804: Capital Penalties for Human Trafficking
One of the most impactful laws going into effect is SB 1804, which introduces capital penalties for human trafficking of vulnerable individuals for sexual exploitation. This law reflects Florida’s growing crackdown on trafficking crimes, creating the potential for life sentences or even the death penalty in certain circumstances.
How Bastos Defense Can Help
Human trafficking cases are highly complex, often involving federal agencies, multiple defendants, and aggressive prosecution. At Bastos Defense, we handle serious felony charges with diligent case preparation, witness consultations, and a deep knowledge of trafficking statutes at both the state and federal levels.
House Bill 757: Criminalization of Deepfake Pornography and Sexual Images
Technology continues to reshape the criminal justice landscape, and HB 757 directly addresses the rise of digital exploitation. The law makes it a crime to possess, solicit, or distribute sexually explicit deepfake images, along with other forms of nonconsensual sexual imagery. Convictions under this statute can result in significant jail time, fines, and mandatory registration requirements.
How Bastos Defense Can Help
Defending against digital crimes requires a sophisticated understanding of how electronic evidence is collected and authenticated. Bastos Defense leverages years of experience defending clients accused of internet-related offenses. We are ready to challenge faulty forensic techniques and help limit overbroad exposure to prosecutorial interpretations of the law.
Other Notable Criminal Law Updates
While HB 777, SB 1804, and HB 757 are especially relevant to our practice areas, several other laws will also reshape Florida’s criminal justice system beginning October 1. These reforms reflect a broader trend of tougher penalties, longer sentences, and new categories of criminal liability.
House Bill 113 – Fleeing or Eluding Law Enforcement
HB 113 increases offense levels on the severity ranking chart, resulting in harsher mandatory minimums for individuals charged with fleeing or eluding law enforcement. If you find yourself impacted by HB 113, Bastos Defense can evaluate the circumstances of the alleged offense, review law enforcement reports, and examine potential procedural or evidentiary issues.
Charges under HB 113 for fleeing or eluding law enforcement can overlap with other areas of criminal defense, including juvenile offenses (a minor fleeing from a police stop), DUI (attempting to elude law enforcement while impaired), domestic violence (fleeing after a domestic disturbance), and drug-related crimes (evading police while in possession of controlled substances). Whatever the context, we can review the details of your case and provide guidance on navigating the legal process.
Senate Bill 150 – “Trooper’s Law”
SB 150 makes restraining pets during natural disasters a third-degree felony, expanding liability in emergency situations. Bastos Defense can review the facts of incidents involving SB 150, assess the applicability of the law, and provide legal guidance on procedural steps. We are here to help clients understand potential outcomes and represent their interests in court proceedings while clarifying the statute’s requirements.
House Bill 175 – Criminal Offenses Against Law Enforcement
This legislation enhances penalties for assaults, obstruction, or interference with law enforcement officers and other designated personnel. For clients facing charges under HB 175, Bastos Defense can review police reports, examine evidence, and provide insight on relevant legal defenses.
We have experience handling cases pertaining to violent crimes (e.g., assaulting an officer during a confrontation), DUI altercations (e.g., resisting law enforcement after a traffic stop), and domestic violence (e.g., interfering with an officer responding to a DV call). We can assist with arraignments, pretrial motions, and navigating complex legal procedures related to these cases.
House Bill 1049 – Court Official Protection
HB 1049 increases penalties for tampering with or harassing judges, jurors, and other court officials, expanding protections within the judicial system. At Bastos Defense, we can guide clients through complex legal procedures, explain potential ramifications, review evidentiary matters, and outline approaches for addressing allegations that fall under HB 1049. We can assist with court appearances and provide support during hearings and other actions related to these sensitive charges.
Why These Changes Matter for St. Petersburg Residents
The Florida laws going into effect in October can intersect with multiple areas of criminal defense, including sex crimes, crimes against minors, violent crimes, and post-conviction matters. If you or a loved one are charged under these new laws, the consequences could be life-altering. Prosecutors now have stronger tools to pursue severe punishments, and without experienced representation, defendants face an uphill battle.
At Bastos Defense, we are dedicated to staying ahead of Florida’s evolving criminal laws. Our personalized, aggressive defense strategies are tailored to each client’s unique circumstances, whether that means challenging evidence, seeking reduced charges by way of negotiation, or fighting for acquittal by representing clients in trial.
Facing charges in St. Petersburg? Concerned about Florida’s new laws? Don’t wait. Call (727) 353-6842 today or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.