TALLAHASSEE, Florida – Wednesday, the Florida Senate passed legislation regarding the exploitation of vulnerable persons, which also increased the protection of senior Floridians. This bill strengthens state law that punishes criminals who abuse Florida seniors.
As the sponsor of the Bill, Senator Ileana Garcia, Chair of the Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs, declared, “Our seniors are our trophies… I don’t just represent them; I protect them.” In specific, this new bill brings more penalties for any individual who exploits or abuses a person of 65 years or older by obtaining or using their property with the intent to deprive them of using or benefiting it, according to the press release of April 12, 2023.
Floridian elders deserve protection because “They were once the mentors, the influencers, the collar workers,” explained Garcia.
This bill responds to the exploitation of elders in Florida. According to the FBI, a loss of $1.7 billion registered in 2020 is related to over 92 000 victims who are over 60 years old.
“If the funds, assets, or property involved in the exploitation are valued at $50,000 or more, the offender commits a level 7 first-degree felony; $10,000 or more, but less than $50,000, the offender commits a level 6 second-degree felony; or, less than $10,00, the offender commits a level 4 third-degree felony,” explained on a press release.
While showing how this legislation helps keep more elderly people safe, Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo said, “Our seniors built the thriving communities that have made our state a beacon of hope and prosperity known around the world. As they live their golden years, they deserve to age with dignity, with our respect and support.”
However, a recent study produced by SmartAsset shows Florida for the year 2021 was in the top rank of retiree destinations. So, Florida lawmakers, through that law, will protect Floridian elders as well as many other elders from many different States who choose to retire in the sunshine state.
Besides, Florida is one of the states with the higher percentage of seniors residing in the nation. By 2030 the senior resident rate is projected to reach 25%, i.e., about 5.9 million elders only in Florida, according to an estimate by the Census Bureau.
This bill was filed on February 01, 2023, then introduced in the Senate a month later, voted last Wednesday, and transferred to the House.
DC of Tampa 