Gov. DeSantis signs crackdown on utility worker attacks

utility-repair-Tampa
Do the crime, do the time.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is showing his commitment to power and water company employees trying to get residents back online after a storm.

He signed a measure that deems utility workers deserving of the same protection as an “officer, firefighter, emergency medical care provider, hospital personnel, railroad special officer, traffic accident investigation officer, traffic infraction enforcement officer, inspector, analyst, operator, law enforcement explorer, parking enforcement specialist, public transit employee or agent, or security officer.”

Under the bill, simple assault on a lineworker will be reclassified as a first-degree misdemeanor. It’s now a second-degree offense.

Battery against a utility worker is currently a first-degree misdemeanor. Under this bill, it will be a third-degree felony with a minimum six-month prison sentence.

Those guilty of aggravated assault will spend three years in prison, and five years will be the penalty for aggravated battery.

Republican Sen. Clay Yarborough sponsored the legislation and (SB 1386), while Republican Rep. Jennifer Kincart Jonsson carried the House companion measure (HB 857).

TECO, the Orlando Utilities Commission, Florida Public Utilities Company, and Associated Industries of Florida supported the bill through the process, along with other industry heavyweights that offered statements of support along the way.

“The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) applauds the Florida Legislature for passing Senate Bill 1386/House Bill 857, which installs further protections for utility workers by reclassifying and strengthening criminal penalties for those who knowingly commit assault or battery against a utility worker,” said Executive Director Amy Zubaly.

“Utility workers often operate in hazardous conditions — during storms, floods and emergency repairs,” added Dale Calhoun, Executive Director of the Florida Natural Gas Association. “This legislation delivers accountability needed to keep them safe and to protect the essential services Floridians rely on daily.”

A.G. Gancarski

A.G. Gancarski has been the Northeast Florida correspondent for Florida Politics since 2014. His work also can be seen in the Washington Post, the New York Post, the Washington Times, and National Review, among other publications. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter: @AGGancarski


2 comments

  • Really? Did anyone double-check the headline?

    May 17, 2025 at 4:34 pm

    “legisaltion”

  • R Russll

    May 17, 2025 at 5:59 pm

    Whose word would it be? Are utility workers wearing body cameras so claims will be videoed or is it totally at the discretion of the Court as to who should be believed?

Comments are closed.


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