Lasting change requires more than public education and grassroots advocacy. It requires changing the laws, policies, and practices that sustain the death penalty.
FADP works to influence public policy at every level of government, bringing research, lived experience, and practical expertise into conversations that shape Florida’s criminal legal system.
Each year, lawmakers convene in Tallahassee to debate and vote on legislation affecting millions of Floridians. Whenever proposed legislation involves the death penalty or broader criminal legal issues, FADP works to ensure decision-makers understand the real-world consequences of their choices.
Our policy work includes:
- Educating legislators and legislative staff
- Monitoring death penalty and criminal legal legislation
- Providing testimony in committee hearings
- Coordinating constituent advocacy
- Developing policy recommendations
- Building coalitions around shared priorities
- Engaging with the media on emerging policy issues
- Supporting strategic litigation through amicus advocacy
Legislative Advocacy
FADP regularly meets with lawmakers and legislative staff to discuss proposed legislation and provide information about the impact of death penalty policies.
Our supporters play an important role in this work. They write letters, attend committee hearings, testify before legislative bodies, and meet directly with elected officials. These efforts ensure that lawmakers hear from constituents, impacted families, faith leaders, legal experts, and others before casting votes that affect lives across Florida.
Even when legislation does not pass, these conversations help shape the debate and build relationships that support future reform efforts.
Legal Advocacy
In addition to legislative work, FADP participates in important legal conversations surrounding the death penalty.
The organization has joined amicus curiae briefs in significant cases and worked with attorneys, advocacy organizations, and subject-matter experts to elevate issues before Florida’s courts. Through these efforts, FADP helps ensure that judges and the public hear perspectives that extend beyond the parties directly involved in litigation.
Building Broad-Based Support
Meaningful policy change requires diverse voices.
FADP regularly partners with faith leaders, military veterans, victims’ family members, exonerees, legal experts, and community organizations to demonstrate the broad and growing opposition to capital punishment in Florida.
Through press conferences, public statements, coalition campaigns, and educational events, these partnerships help move the conversation beyond politics and toward the values of fairness, accountability, and human dignity.
Creating Change Over Time
Policy change rarely happens all at once. It is built through years of education, relationship-building, public engagement, and persistent advocacy.
By engaging lawmakers, supporting strategic litigation, mobilizing constituents, and elevating voices from affected communities, FADP works to create the conditions for a future in which Florida no longer relies on the death penalty.