Leon County Legislative Priority Signed Into Law as Governor Approves Missy's Law
In October 2025, the Leon County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to designate support for Missy's Law as a County legislative priority for the 2026 session, lending the County's voice to a statewide push for stronger child protection measures in Florida's courts. Today, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the legislation into law.
The law, formally known as HB 445/SB 928, requires judges to remand defendants to custody immediately upon conviction of certain dangerous crimes rather than allow them to remain free pending sentencing. It is named for 5-year-old Melissa "Missy" Mogle of Tallahassee, who died May 19, 2025, after suffering severe child abuse. Her stepfather was free on bond at the time of her death despite having been convicted in an unrelated criminal case weeks earlier.
"Missy's death exposed a broken loophole in the system," said Leon County Commission Chairman Christian Caban, who brought the legislative priority before the Board last fall. "This law is real reform that protects children and families. Missy's name will never be forgotten."
The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Sam Greco, R-St. Augustine, and Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, and was signed at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's regional operations center in Tampa.
Leon County annually identifies state and federal legislative priorities through a Board workshop and formal ratification process. The County's advocacy for Missy's Law reflected the Board's commitment to public safety and the protection of the community's most vulnerable residents.
For more information, contact Leon County Community and Media Relations at (850) 606-5300 or CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
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