I’m excited to announce that our push to ensure greater senior protection in Florida is well under way. Thanks to Representative Colleen Burton and Senator Danny Burgess, our senior protection bill passed the full legislature this week!

It’s no secret that Florida is a great place to retire. With more than five million seniors calling Florida home, it is our duty to ensure we provide a safe environment for older citizens to enjoy their golden years free from fraud and exploitation. Unfortunately, scammers recognize our booming senior population and often seek to turn their dream retirement into a financial nightmare.

Our seniors deserve peace of mind and the ability to enjoy their retirement, free of worry from deceitful scammers looking to exploit their trust.

This law will strengthen senior protection by preventing the intentional isolation of vulnerable adults, allowing for intervention by law enforcement and prosecutors to prevent irreversible physical harm or financial loss to Florida seniors, and strengthening accountability of Guardians.

My Office of Statewide Prosecution will also have additional authority to go after those who commit crimes against elderly and disabled adults.

I’m so grateful for the support of The Florida Bar’s Elder law section, House Speaker Chris Sprowls and Senate President Wilton Simpson throughout this process.

Better protecting the more than 5 million seniors that call Florida home will help us build a Stronger, Safer Florida.