Sen. Lori Berman has refiled a bill that would put in place stronger protections and support systems for victims of domestic violence and dating violence.
Berman, a Boynton Beach Democrat, filed the measure (SB 296), which would establish statewide infrastructure to improve emergency response for victims of violence while also supporting confidentiality and raising public awareness.[1]
Known as the “Helping Abuse Victims Escape Now (HAVEN) Act,” the bill would expand and update multiple Florida Statutes to include victims of dating violence alongside victims of domestic violence.
Public records exemptions would be extended to include victims of dating violence. Victims would be able to apply for address confidentiality through the Attorney General, who would also designate state and local agencies and nonprofit organizations to assist applicants.
The bill would create a HAVEN Coordinating Council that would be established within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The Council would consist of representatives from law enforcement, victim services, advocacy groups, technology experts and legal professionals. [2]
Appointments to the Council would be due by Sep. 1, 2026, and the first meeting would be required by Oct. 1, 2026.
The Council would be responsible for developing a website with real-time law enforcement integration, which would include features such as a unique emergency phone number for victims, a discreet alert code to trigger immediate law enforcement dispatch, and geolocation and data sent directly to authorities.
A public awareness campaign would also be required to be launched, as well as coordinating training for law enforcement for effective response. The Council would meet quarterly to assess data and trends.
The bill would also create the option for counties to develop their own HAVEN Councils. Local Councils could collaborate with local domestic violence fatality review teams, review cases and contribute to localized data to the HAVEN website.
Quarterly reports to law enforcement agencies would be required, along with an annual report to the Governor, Attorney General, the Legislature and the FDLE, detailing the website’s progress, costs, usage and effectiveness.[3]
County-level Councils would be required to submit an annual report to the state HAVEN Council and FDLE summarizing any activities and recommendations for improvement.
The Legislature would appropriate the funds needed annually, and the Council would be able to seek grants and donations.
The bill also contains a Sunset Clause that would repeal the HAVEN Council on Oct. 2, 2029, unless it is reenacted.
Berman filed a similar measure (SB 240) during the 2025 Legislative Session. The bill was focused primarily on creating an app that victims could use to privately contact law enforcement. However, it died in the Fiscal Policy Committee.[4][5]
If passed, the bill would take effect July 1, 2026.