Florida Amends Criteria for Identifying Criminal Gang Members and Defining Gang-Related Language
Florida has enacted new legislation that revises the criteria for identifying individuals as criminal gang members and introduces a definition for 'gang-related language.' Under the updated law, a person can be classified as a criminal gang member if they meet at least two specified criteria. These criteria include admitting to gang membership, being identified or claimed as a member by a gang, being identified as a gang member by certain individuals, or associating with known gang members. The law also specifies that time spent with known gang members in a correctional setting counts only if the association is willful. Furthermore, the new law defines 'gang-related language' to encompass verbal or written statements that indicate gang affiliation, support gang activities, or utilize recognized gang codes, symbols, or terminology associated with criminal organizations. This definition extends to communications made online or through social media platforms. These changes are part of a broader set of new Flo...
