Today is the 4th of March, 2026, and the landscape of Florida’s death row is rapidly changing. Currently, there are 250 inmates awaiting execution in the state, a notable decline attributed to aggressive policies implemented by Governor Ron DeSantis since 2025. Among these inmates, Tina Lasonya Brown stands out as the only biological woman on Florida’s death row, while Jenna Rodgers, a trans woman, is categorized as male despite her gender identity. This classification reflects a broader issue, as a federal court ruling in 2024 allowed Florida to enforce a new directive denying gender-affirming medical care for individuals with gender dysphoria.
While there are currently 47 women on death row across the United States, Florida’s numbers are particularly significant. California leads with 18 women, but Florida has its own unique history with female inmates facing capital punishment. Tina Brown, aged 55, was convicted of first-degree murder along with two accomplices for the brutal killing of Audreanna Zimmerman, who was incapacitated with a stun gun, set on fire, and left to die. Zimmerman survived long enough to report the attack to authorities but succumbed to her injuries two weeks later. Notably, Brown was the only one sentenced to death, while her daughter, Britnee Angelique Miller, received a life sentence.
Women on Death Row: A Closer Look
Florida has executed 17 women since the death penalty was reinstated, with only two executions taking place. The first woman executed was Judias Goodyear Buenoano in 1998, followed by Aileen Wuornos, famously known as America’s first female serial killer, who was executed in 2002. The historical context surrounding these cases reveals a complex narrative of violence, justice, and redemption.
Of the 17 women sentenced to death in Florida, 12 have had their sentences commuted or were granted clemency, one died in prison, another was released, and only Tina Brown remains. The state’s approach to the death penalty has seen shifts over the years, influenced by various political and social factors. In 2025, Florida executed its 11th death sentence, marking a record in the state’s history. Curtis Windom, convicted of triple murder related to drug disputes, was among those executed, demonstrating the state’s ongoing commitment to capital punishment under Governor DeSantis.
Recent Developments in Capital Punishment
As of March 2026, Florida’s death row remains a contentious issue. Critics point to the potential for wrongful convictions, racial disparities, and the moral implications of capital punishment. In contrast, proponents argue that it serves as a deterrent and delivers justice for victims. The national conversation surrounding the death penalty continues to evolve, with 27 states still permitting it, despite a general decline in executions over the years.
In 2025 alone, the U.S. saw 30 executions across nine states, with Florida leading the charge under DeSantis. This ongoing trend raises important questions about the future of capital punishment in America, especially in light of the growing discourse around its ethical ramifications. For a deeper dive into the numbers and cases that shape Florida’s death row, you can check out the full coverage on PNJ.com and additional context on Wikipedia.
As the debate over the death penalty rages on, the stories of those on death row, particularly women like Tina Brown, remind us of the human stories behind the statistics. The struggle for justice and the quest for understanding in this complex arena continue to challenge and inspire discussions across Florida and beyond.