Sexual offenses against students by authority figures; reclassification.

(1) As used in this section, the term:

(a) “Authority figure” means a person 18 years of age or older who is employed by, volunteering at, or under contract with a school.

(b) “School” has the same meaning as provided in s. 1003.01 and includes a private school as defined in s. 1002.01, a voluntary prekindergarten education program as described in s. 1002.53(3), early learning programs, a public school as described in s. 402.3025(1), the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, and the Florida Virtual School established under s. 1002.37. The term does not include facilities dedicated exclusively to the education of adults.

(c) “Student” means a person younger than 18 years of age who is enrolled at a school.

(2) The felony degree of a violation of an offense listed in s. 943.0435(1)(h)1.a., unless the offense is a violation of s. 794.011(4)(e)7. or s. 810.145(8)(a)2., shall be reclassified as provided in this section if the offense is committed by an authority figure of a school against a student of the school.

(3)(a) In the case of a felony of the third degree, the offense is reclassified to a felony of the second degree.

(b) In the case of a felony of the second degree, the offense is reclassified to a felony of the first degree.

(c) In the case of a felony of the first degree, the offense is reclassified to a life felony.

For purposes of sentencing under chapter 921 and determining incentive gain-time eligibility under chapter 944, a felony offense that is reclassified under this subsection is ranked one level above the ranking under s. 921.0022 or s. 921.0023 of the offense committed.