In recent months, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed numerous bills passed during this year’s legislative session, significantly impacting various areas of Floridian life. Starting July 1st, over 150 new laws will take effect, introducing changes in education, property rights, environmental policies, parenting, and more.
Education
One of the notable new laws, HB 931, allows school districts to appoint volunteer school chaplains. The requirements for chaplains include passing a background check and being listed on the school’s website with their religious affiliation. Another law, SB 1264, mandates that the history of communism be taught in public schools starting in the 2026-2027 school year. These lessons must be age-appropriate, targeting students from kindergarten upwards. Additionally, HB 1291 prohibits the inclusion of “identity politics” in college and university teacher-preparation programs, while SB 7032 provides tuition and fee waivers for high-school dropouts pursuing diplomas and workforce credentials at state colleges.
Property Laws
HB 1021, also known as “Condo 3.0,” aims to enhance the rights of condo owners. It imposes education requirements on board members, mandates the creation of web pages for condo communities, and strengthens the state’s power to investigate abuses. Another law, HB 1503, allows “surplus lines” carriers to cover some non-homesteaded properties, removing them from the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp.
Nature & Climate
HB 87 introduces a self-defense clause for individuals who shoot bears to protect themselves or their property. However, critics argue that it may lead to increased bear deaths. The law requires shooters to notify the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission within 24 hours and prohibits possession or sale of bear carcasses. HB 1645 diminishes climate change as a state priority, banning offshore wind turbines and promoting natural gas expansion. Critics warn this ignores the serious climate change threats facing Florida.
Parenting Laws
HB 385 authorizes courts to mandate “neutral safe exchange” locations at sheriffs’ offices for parents sharing custody of children. HB 415 sets up a new state-run website, launching by 2025, to provide resources on pregnancy and parenting, including educational materials, mentorship programs for fathers, financial assistance, and adoption services. HB 461 exempts new mothers from jury duty within six months of childbirth, provided they request the exemption.
Teens & Young Adults
HB 49 relaxes regulations on the working hours for 16- and 17-year-olds. Parents and school superintendents can now waive the 30-hour-a-week limit during school sessions. HB 7063 raises the minimum age for strippers to 21 and sets stricter laws to combat human trafficking. It also requires state contractors to certify they do not use coerced labor and prohibits minors from working in adult entertainment establishments.
Health & Safety
SB 544 mandates the Department of Health to establish a swimming-lesson voucher program network, aiming to enhance water safety for children.
Law Enforcement
HB 601 restricts civilian review boards from investigating local law enforcement officers and prohibits the harassment of first responders. This measure is expected to impact at least 21 cities with such review boards. SB 1764 targets “coordinated” street takeover events involving ten or more vehicles, increasing fines and potential jail time for participants. Maximum fines for first offenses will rise from $1,000 to $2,000, and second offenses within a year could result in third-degree felony charges.
Politics
HB 919 addresses the use of artificial intelligence in political advertising. Political ads containing AI-generated content must now include a disclaimer, ensuring transparency in political campaigns.
These legislative changes reflect a broad spectrum of policy adjustments aimed at addressing various social, economic, and environmental issues in Florida. As these laws take effect, their impact will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics.