Starting July 1, 2025, over 70 new laws signed by Governor Ron DeSantis will take effect. Three new criminal laws that will reshape Florida’s justice system are:
- HB279 criminalizes swatting calls with steep penalties.
- HB351 targets dangerous speeding as a criminal offense.
- SB612 allows drug dealers to be charged with homicide if someone dies from the drugs they distribute.
While these laws aim to protect the public, they may also lead to wrongful arrests, unjust prosecutions, and life-altering penalties — especially for those unaware of how these charges are applied.
At Alavi & Pozzuto, P.A., we understand that being accused of a crime does not mean you are guilty. We fight fiercely for your rights, particularly in the face of rapidly evolving laws that may be overbroad or misused.
HB279: What Is a Swatting Call—and What If You are Falsely Accused?
Swatting is the act of making a false 911 call to provoke an armed police response to a person’s home, school, or workplace. While often dismissed as a prank, swatting has caused injuries, deaths, and deep trauma to unsuspecting victims.
HB279 makes swatting a felony offense—especially if it leads to serious injury or death. It is charged as a second-degree felony if the false reporting leads to death. It is a third-degree felony if it results in serious injury. Prison time is mandated for those found guilty of the offense and restitution is mandated for property damage and the costs of the emergency response.
But What If You Did Not Mean To?
- What if you called 911 during a heated argument, fearing for someone’s safety—but police later claim it was a swatting hoax?
- What if you were misidentified through a spoofed phone number?
These are not hypothetical situations. Florida residents have been arrested under mistaken identity or misunderstood 911 calls. In emotionally charged domestic or mental health situations, even well-intentioned callers may face felony charges under this law.
That is why it is essential to consult a criminal defense law firm like Alavi & Pozzuto, P.A. if you are accused. Attorney Tania Alavi and Attorney Andrew Pozzuto are seasoned trial lawyers who will thoroughly investigate the circumstances and defend your side of the story.
HB351: Dangerous Speeding—An Honest Mistake Could Mean Jail
HB351, also known as the “super speeder” law, raises the stakes for those caught speeding:
Driving 50+ mph over the limit or over 100 mph can result in:
- First-time offenders face up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500
- Repeat offenders face up to 3 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Your car may be impounded for 30 days—even before trial.
The new Florida statute elevates a previously severe civil traffic infraction to a criminal offense. The accused has a mandatory court appearance provision.
Real-World Concerns
This law may sound reasonable—until you realize how easily it can be triggered.
Consider:
- A young driver in a sports car misjudging a rural road’s speed limit
- Someone rushing to a hospital in an emergency
- A person wrongly accused of being behind the wheel based on mistaken license plate readings
Speed alone does not always equal reckless intent. But under HB351, prosecutors do not need to prove recklessness—just speed. That turns speeding from a traffic infraction into a criminal offense. As your criminal defense attorney, we work to reduce or dismiss charges, protect your record, and challenge the validity of radar and officer observations.
SB612: Drug Charges with Severe Consequences
SB612 may be the most controversial new law. It allows prosecutors to charge individuals with homicide if the drugs they provided or sold lead to someone’s fatal overdose.
:
The Law:
- Applies to fentanyl, heroin, meth, cocaine, and even prescription drugs
- Charges can range from second-degree to third-degree murder
- Overdose scenes are now treated as potential crime scenes
- Includes those under 18 who illegally distribute controlled substances.
Why It is So Dangerous for the Accused
This law often assumes causation without full context:
- What if the substance was not the direct or substantial cause of death?
- What if the person took the drugs voluntarily?
- What if someone shared—not sold—the drugs?
- What if the accused was also struggling with addiction?
These cases are highly controversial, especially for a defendant under 18. And while we must address Florida’s opioid crisis, we must also be cautious not to turn every grieving friend, partner, or roommate into a murder suspect.
As drug crime lawyers, we collaborate with toxicology experts, challenge assumptions about drug sourcing, and push back against overbroad applications of the law.
Wrongful Arrests Are Real—And You Have Rights
These new laws presume guilt in situations that are often gray.
People can and do get arrested for:
- Making emergency calls that police later deem “false.”
- Speeding in one-time, understandable situations
- Being loosely connected to an overdose victim
A felony charge can destroy your job, your family, and your reputation—even if you are never convicted. The sooner you contact a criminal defense law firm, the better your chances of avoiding harsh consequences.
Why Choose Alavi & Pozzuto, P.A.?
When your freedom is on the line, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a team that listens to your story, fights hard, and does not judge. At Alavi & Pozzuto, P.A., we do whatever it takes, under the law, to get real and just results.
- We Know Florida Law
With offices in Ocala and Gainesville, we are deeply familiar with local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures. We do not treat you like a case number — we know the stakes are your future.
- We Bring Experience and Strategy
Our attorneys have decades of combined experience in criminal defense, handling a wide range of cases, including DUIs, drug crimes, violent felonies, and traffic offenses. We know how to negotiate, when to challenge the evidence, and how to win at trial.
- We See the Person Behind the Charges
At Alavi & Pozzuto, P.A., we believe:
- Innocent until proven guilty is not just a slogan — it is your right
- Addiction, mental health, and trauma deserve compassion, not just punishment
- Honest mistakes should not end in a prison cell
You deserve a criminal lawyer consultation that gives you answers, not pressure.
Act Quickly. Your Defense Starts Now.
The July 1 laws may be new, but the consequences are already clear: more aggressive policing, more arrests, and more people caught up in a justice system they do not understand.
Whether you are facing accusations of a swatting call, dangerous speeding, or a drug-related death, you need a defense team ready to stand up for you. Call Alavi & Pozzuto, P.A. today at (352) 732-9191 for a confidential consultation at our Ocala or Gainesville offices. We will listen, inform, and advocate — because your side of the story matters.