TAMPA, FL, July 31, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A new Florida law taking effect July 1 changes how the state handles domestic violence cases. StechLaw Criminal Defense is encouraging Florida residents to understand what House Bill 277 changes before it takes effect.

House Bill 277 passed during the 2026 legislative session and makes three changes to Florida's domestic violence laws. It increases the penalties for repeat offenders, raises the financial assistance available to victims, and creates a two-year pilot program that places certain offenders on electronic monitoring while they are on probation.

The electronic monitoring program is new. An offender placed on a monitor is supervised for the length of their probation, and breaking those terms becomes a probation violation that is charged separately from the original case. Because a court sets that requirement at sentencing, a Tampa domestic violence defense lawyer can argue against it beforehand, or argue for terms a client is able to follow.

The increased penalties for repeat offenders depend on a person's record. The state looks at how prior cases were resolved, so a charge that was dropped or reduced may not carry the same weight as a conviction. A defense attorney can review those earlier cases and challenge whether they qualify a client for the harsher penalties.

These changes apply to anyone arrested for domestic violence on or after July 1. Anyone facing these charges can contact StechLaw Criminal Defense for a confidential consultation.

About the Firm:

StechLaw Criminal Defense is a Tampa criminal defense firm led by Ben Stechschulte, a board-certified criminal trial lawyer and former prosecutor. The firm handles misdemeanor and felony cases in both Florida state and federal courts, including DUI defense, drug charges, domestic violence, theft crimes, white collar offenses, and juvenile defense. Attorney Stechschulte is one of fewer than 2% of Florida attorneys to hold board certification in criminal trial law. Anyone facing criminal charges in Florida can contact the firm for a confidential consultation.

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