Plan will establish all death penalty cases are decided within three years
PALM COAST, FL— Today, Paul Renner for Governor released a key component to his Florida First Public Safety Policy Proposal outlining a new approach to death row and death penalty cases.
“For the past decade and even as recent as yesterday, cities across this nation have been torn apart by violent crime. Florida stands apart, earning high marks for public safety— but we cannot be complacent. Too many communities still face unacceptable crime, and no neighborhood can be left behind.
“Florida’s death penalty system is broken. Violent murderers exploit endless, frivolous appeals, stretching cases out for decades while victims’ families wait— often until they die before seeing justice served. Today, death penalty cases average nearly 30 years from sentence to execution. One recent case in Florida involved the rape and murder of a six-year-old child, and execution was delayed more than 40 years. That is a mockery of the rule of law.
“Governor Ron DeSantis has taken important steps to move these cases forward, but more must be done. Florida voters demanded action by passing a constitutional amendment requiring death penalty appeals to be resolved within five years. That mandate is being ignored by the courts.
“As a former prosecutor, I know the death penalty deters crime— especially when it is swift and certain. Criminals themselves admit they prefer to commit violent crimes in states without it. Justice delayed weakens deterrence. Justice delivered upholds law and order,” said Paul Renner, gubernatorial candidate for Florida.
This component of the Florida First Public Safety Policy Proposal, limiting the time for all appeals to three years in death penalty cases, is being praised for attempting to strengthen justice and ensure accountability for violent crimes.
Retired First District Court of Appeal Judge Bradford L. Thomas said: “Before serving on the Florida First District Court of Appeal, I met with families urging the Legislature and Governor to stop judicial delays— unfortunately, they have only grown. Florida voters passed Marsy’s Law to guarantee victims’ families a ‘prompt and final conclusion’ (Art. I, §16, Fla. Const.). The delays must end. I applaud former House Speaker Paul Renner for his commitment to enforce this law. As Governor, he will stop death row convicts from delaying justice for victims and their families.”
The former President of the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police, Steve Zona lauds the proposal for addressing long-standing inefficiencies and seeking justice be delivered in a timely manner:
“When families lose a loved one to a senseless violent act, they look to the criminal justice system to hold the perpetrator accountable. Their suffering is immeasurable as the court case and process drags on for decades. Justice has many faces, but waiting 30-plus years to carry out a death sentence is not one of them. It is time to fix the broken death penalty system and implement a fair and swift process. I support the ideas brought forth by former Speaker Paul Renner,” Zona said.
Renner added: “Public safety is the primary role of government, and every elected official should never forget that. Without safety, nothing else matters. Under my administration, Florida will put public safety first and take a zero-tolerance stance on crime. Setting the tone with certainty of punishment for capital crimes will send a message far and wide that justice will never be denied.”