TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – New Laws Take Effect in Florida on January 1, 2025
On January 1, 2025, a total of 12 new laws will come into effect in Florida, marking another significant change in the state’s legislative landscape. These laws, which cover various areas including social media restrictions, voter registration changes, and enhanced protections for vulnerable adults, stem from the work of Florida lawmakers and Governor Ron DeSantis during the 2024 legislative session. Here’s what residents need to know.
Scope and Significance of New Legislation
The new laws are part of the over 200 laws enacted in 2024 alone. While many took effect in July and October, these remaining laws address pressing issues that affect daily life for Floridians. Key areas impacted include technology use among minors, electoral integrity, building regulations, estate planning, and the protection of older adults against financial exploitation.
Key Legislation Breakdown
Among the significant new laws:
- House Bill 3 sets a minimum age of 14 for individuals to have social media accounts, requiring parental consent for those aged 14 and 15. This law aims to protect children from potential online dangers.
- House Bill 135 modifies voter registration processes, ensuring that party affiliation changes can only occur with written consent from the voter. This addresses recent software issues that inadvertently altered voters’ party affiliations without their knowledge.
- House Bill 267 changes the state’s building code, enforcing strict deadlines for local governments to respond to permit applications, ultimately streamlining the construction approval process.
- House Bill 1093 adopts the Florida Uniform Fiduciary Income and Principal Act, modernizing trust laws to better facilitate estate planning.
- Senate Bill 556 enhances protections for vulnerable adults aged 65 and older. Financial institutions can now delay transactions if they suspect exploitation, providing safeguards for at-risk individuals.
Financial and Tax Reforms
Also noteworthy are two laws linked to property taxes:
- House Bill 7017, tied to Amendment 5, alters how property taxes are assessed for homeowners with a homestead exemption, aimed at reducing annual tax increases.
- House Bill 7019 makes further changes to align statutory provisions with the goals outlined in Amendment 5.
Community Safety and Professional Standards
Furthermore, Senate Bill 362 increases the maximum medical reimbursements for healthcare providers involved in the workers’ compensation system, reflecting changes in the medical field and ensuring that injured workers receive adequate support.
Finally, Senate Bill 184 establishes certain misdemeanors aimed at ensuring the safety of first responders, reiterating the state’s commitment to public safety and the well-being of those who serve on the front lines.
Conclusion
As these laws take effect, their impacts will be felt across Florida. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new regulations that may affect their daily lives, from how they manage social media for their children to understanding new financial protections available to older family members. This legislative update underscores Florida’s dynamic and evolving legal landscape as it responds to changing societal needs.
