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Full list of 34 new Florida laws set to take effect starting October 1st
By William Clayton,
1 days ago
Starting today, October 1, 34 new laws took effect across Florida today, including a controversial measure regulating homeless encampments and a host of other changes affecting everything from vehicle registration to flood disclosures for homebuyers, and increased penalties for theft and fraud.
The “Safeguarding American Families Everywhere Act” requires motor vehicle registration forms to include an option for applicants to indicate whether they or their child have a specific disability, including:
Autism
ADHD
Down syndrome
Alzheimer’s
Traumatic brain injury
PTSD
Diabetes
Autoimmune disorders
Deafness or blindness
Those who opt to disclose will have “SAFE” applied to their vehicle record, which can be updated for removal.
Requires the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to create online training for law enforcement on interacting with people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, with guidance on:
Recognizing symptoms
Effective communication
Avoiding physical restraints
Identifying signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation
HB 819 — Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District
Expands the boundaries of this district in Lee and Hendry counties, which oversees public infrastructure.
Allows the state Attorney General to create a directory of nicotine dispensers “attractive to minors.” Businesses selling such devices must remove them within 60 days or face fines of $1,000 per day.
HB 1025 — Municipal Service District of Ponte Vedra Beach
Imposes a lifetime 12-year term limit for Trustees of the district and raises the threshold for capital projects requiring voter approval.
HB 1049 — Flood Disclosure in the Sale of Real Property
Requires residential property sellers to disclose flood risks to buyers before a contract is signed. The disclosure must include:
A “FLOOD DISCLOSURE” title for the form
A flood insurance policy disclaimer, stating “Flood Insurance: Homeowners’ insurance policies do not include coverage for damage resulting from floods. Buyer is encouraged to discuss the need to purchase separate flood insurance coverage with Buyer’s insurance agent.”
Statements on any flood damage claims or federal assistance received
Amends state rules related to fraud offenses . Increases penalties for fraud against people over 65, minors, and those with disabilities, upgrading offenses to more serious felonies. The law also allows victims whose image is used in fraud schemes to recover damages.
Amends the Sexual Predators Ac t , requiring predators and offenders to report any moves out of state or international travel in advance. Offenders who fail to respond to address verifications can face third-degree felony charges.
Bans counties from allowing people to camp or sleep on public property unless a designated area is set aside for this purpose, with established standards for safety, sanitation, and services. Emergency declarations are exempt. Another provision, effective Jan. 1, 2025, will allow residents and business owners to file civil lawsuits against local governments that permit sleeping or camping on public property.
Strengthens penalties for those involved in “ digital voyeurism ,” particularly when the offender is over 19 years old and has a “position of authority” over the victim.
Extends confidentiality protections for communications between first responders and their peers to correctional officers and correctional probation officers. This law also extends confidentiality benefits to correctional officers and correctional probation officers, similar to other first responders.
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