May 22, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Samantha Dalaguit
Amy Task for House 22
amytraskforflorida.mediateam@gmail.com
Gainesville, FL, May 22, 2026 — Today, the Helping Abuse Victims Escape Now (HAVEN) Act was officially signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, marking a major victory for survivors of domestic and dating violence and delivering one of the most significant updates to victim protections in recent Florida history.
“I wrote HAVEN because leaving is often the most dangerous moment in a survivor’s life, and too many Floridians are forced into an impossible choice: stay silent or risk escalating the danger,” said Amy Trask, author of HAVEN and candidate for Florida House D-22. “Having experienced that fear firsthand, I know how critical it is that Florida becomes a place where survivors are supported from beginning to end — and this law moves us closer to that.”
The newly-signed law was championed by Senate Minority Leader Senator Berman (D-26) and Rep. Peggy Gosset-Seidman (R-91), alongside a number of co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle. The bipartisan bill was passed with unanimous votes in both the House and Senate during the most recent legislative session.
Under HAVEN, protections for domestic violence will also be available to those who experience dating violence, closing a gap in Florida law that advocates and law enforcement officials have long pushed to address. It also creates the framework for a 911 bypass emergency response system designed to allow survivors in dangerous situations to discreetly alert law enforcement without notifying their abuser. A state feasibility study will soon commence, due in January 2027, to guide implementation of the technology statewide.
“Today, Florida sends a clear message to survivors: you are seen, you are heard, and your safety matters,” continued Trask. “HAVEN is about modernizing protections, closing dangerous legal gaps, and giving survivors additional tools and pathways to seek help safely.”
The legislation received broad support from victim advocates, law enforcement agencies, and public safety leaders throughout Florida, including backing from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Supporters say the law reflects years of advocacy and collaboration aimed at improving survivor-centered protections and strengthening emergency response capabilities for victims facing immediate danger.
While the signing of the HAVEN Act marks a historic milestone, advocates emphasized that implementation efforts and continued investment in survivor resources will remain critical moving forward.
The law will take effect on July 1, 2026.
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