Attorney General Moody Releases 2023 Hate Crimes Report

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today released the 2023 Hate Crimes in Florida Report. The document includes detailed information about the types of hate crimes reported to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement under the Uniform Crime Reporting information system for the 2023 calendar year. The document reflects a 36% increase in hate crime reports from 2022 to 2023. The report also details an alarming increase in antisemitic crimes this past year. 

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Following the terrorist attack on Israel last year, the nation experienced an increase in antisemitic crimes. While Florida went to great lengths to protect our Jewish friends and family – hate crimes against them nearly doubled. We must continue to protect Jewish Floridians and all our citizens. If you know of a hate crime or any illegal act, please report it to law enforcement. You can remain anonymous by calling **TIPS.”

Hate crimes are senseless, criminal acts based on hatred and bias toward individuals or groups because of race, religion, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics. According to the report, 311 hate crimes were reported statewide from Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2023—up from 229 incidents reported in 2022. 

To view the report, click here.

In 1989, the Florida Legislature passed laws designed to address the issue of hate crimes. Section 775.085, Florida Statutes, increases penalties for convictions of crimes where there is evidence of certain prejudice. Additionally, the Hate Crimes Reporting Act, Section 877.19, Florida Statutes, requires law enforcement agencies to report hate crimes to the FDLE. It also requires the Florida Attorney General's Office to publish an annual summary of data collected by FDLE.

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