Office of State Attorney
Dave Aronberg

15th Judicial Circuit
Serving the Citizens of Palm Beach County

Office of State Attorney
Dave Aronberg

15th Judicial Circuit
Serving the Citizens of Palm Beach County

Press Release

December 16, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR FUTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Marc Freeman

mfreeman@sa15.org

(561) 355-7263

State Attorney Aronberg Supports New Hate Crimes Bill

State Attorney Dave Aronberg announces his support for new legislation that broadens the prosecution of hate crimes in Florida.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Tina Polsky (D-Boca Raton) and Representative Emily Slosberg (D-Boca Raton), closes a loophole in the current law that was identified following the disturbing vandalism of a Delray Beach crosswalk caught on video.

In that pending case, the defacing of a gay pride streetscape last June did not meet the existing standard for hate crime penalties because the city itself was the victim – not an individual.

Under SB1208/HB883, local governments for the first time can be considered victims of crimes of prejudice.

“This important bill will close a glaring loophole in state law that allows defendants to avoid hate crime charges even though their actions were motived by prejudice. This bill gives prosecutors the tools needed to hold fully accountable those who harm our community with hateful conduct,” Aronberg said.

Main Office Location

401 North Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Main Number: 561-355-7100
Fax Number: 561-366-1800
StateAttorney@sa15.org

North County Office

3188 PGA Blvd.
Palm Bch Gardens, FL 33418
Main Number: 561-624-6630
Fax Number: 561-624-6548

South County Office

200 W. Atlantic Ave., Ste 100
Delray Beach, FL 33444
Main Number: 561-274-1490
Fax Number: 561-274-1498

Belle Glade Office

38844 State Road 80
Belle Glade, FL 33430
Main Number: 561-996-4820
Fax Number: 561-992-1055

Criminal Justice Complex

3228 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Main Number: 561-688-4640
Fax Number: 561-688-4646