Attorney General Ashley Moody has released the 2023 Hate Crimes in Florida Report, highlighting a significant rise in hate crime reports. The report, based on data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Uniform Crime Reporting system, shows a 36% increase in reported incidents from 2022 to 2023. Notably, there was a concerning rise in antisemitic crimes.
Attorney General Moody stated, “Following the terrorist attack on Israel last year, the nation experienced an increase in antisemitic crimes. While Florida went to great lengths to protect our Jewish friends and family – hate crimes against them nearly doubled. We must continue to protect Jewish Floridians and all our citizens. If you know of a hate crime or any illegal act, please report it to law enforcement. You can remain anonymous by calling **TIPS.”
The report identifies hate crimes as acts driven by bias against individuals or groups based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. In total, 311 hate crimes were reported statewide for the year ending December 31, up from 229 incidents in 2022.
Florida's legal framework for addressing hate crimes dates back to legislation passed in 1989. Section 775.085 of the Florida Statutes increases penalties for prejudice-motivated convictions. Furthermore, Section 877.19 mandates that law enforcement agencies report such crimes to FDLE and requires an annual summary publication by the Attorney General's Office.