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LIST: These new Florida laws go into effect July 1

By Kevin Accettulla,

5 days ago

Video above: DeSantis signs bill to limit HOA fines, increase transparency

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed dozens of bills over the last several months that were passed during this year’s legislative session.

As of Monday, DeSantis has signed more than 150 bills into law that will take effect on July 1. Below are some of the more notable ones, with a full list at the bottom.

No local heat protections for outdoor workers ( SB 1492 )

SB 1492 blocks cities and counties from implementing laws to protect workers from heat that go beyond federal requirements. There are currently no federal or state laws protecting outdoor workers from heat.

Miami-Dade County considered an ordinance last year to require employers to give access to water and breaks in the shade in response to heat-related illnesses and deaths in the construction and agriculture industries.

The new law comes after 2023 was the hottest year in recorded history .

Chaplains allowed in schools ( HB 931 )

HB 931 will allow school districts to bring in volunteer chaplains, if they meet background screening requirements.

Written parental consent is required in order for a student to participate, and parents must be able to choose from a list that shares each chaplain’s religious affiliation.

DeSantis addressed concerns that the program would allow for satanists to have access to students, saying Satanism is “not a religion” and chaplains with such beliefs would not be allowed to participate in the program.

‘Patriotic organizations’ allowed in schools ( HB 1317 )

This bill allows representatives from “patriotic organizations” to visit schools to speak to students and distribute materials.

The bill defines a “patriotic organization” as a “youth membership organization serving young people under the age of 21 with an educational purpose that promotes patriotism and civic involvement…”

The bill mentions Boy Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Club of America, Civil Air Patrol, Future Farmers of America, Girl Scouts of the United States of America, Little League Baseball, Marine Corps League, and Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

If an organization is scheduled to speak at a school, the bill requires parents to be notified of the expected presentation and allow parents to opt out their children.

History of communism teaching requirements ( SB 1264 )

The bill requires students in all grades, including kindergarten, learn about the history of communism in a way that is “age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate.”

While the law goes into effect on July 1, the instructional requirements themselves would begin with the 2026-27 school year. Instruction would include “the history of communism in the United States and domestic communist movements, including their histories and tactics.”

The bill states that students must also be taught about “the increasing threat of communism in the United States and to our allies through the 20th century, including the events of the Cultural Revolution in the People’s Republic of China and other mass killings from communist regimes.”

The bill also requires teaching “The economic, industrial, and political events that have preceded and anticipated communist revolutions” and “The communist policies of Cuba and the spread of communist ideologies throughout Latin America, including the roots of the Communist Party of Cuba and guerilla forces throughout Latin America.”

The bill does not explicitly mention Russia or the Soviet Union.

Another requirement in the bill is for students to be taught “comparative discussion of political ideologies, such as communism and totalitarianism, which conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy essential to the founding principles of the United States.”

Critics of the bill worried about the instruction being weaponized. Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) said she finds it inappropriate to ban some historical topics while encouraging and emphasizing others.

Citizen oversight boards stripped from investigating police ( HB 601 )

HB 601 mandates that “Civilian Oversight Boards” must be made up of three to seven members who are all appointed by a sheriff or police chief. One of the members must be a retired law enforcement officer.

DeSantis framed the bill as protecting law enforcement officers, but the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida has criticized the bill as a waste of tax dollars and said it undermines democracy.

A news release from the governor’s office said the purpose of the bill is to “prohibit localities from using political entities like Civilian Oversight Boards to drive an anti-police agenda.”

Safe haven expansion ( HB 775 )

Under this law, there will be a larger grace period for parents to surrender infants, no questions asked.

Parents will now have up to 30 days to surrender an infant at an approved location, up from the previous period of seven days. Florida’s Safe Haven law was first adopted in 2000 with a period of three days, which was increased to seven in 2008.

Under the expanded law, parents who don’t have transportation can call EMS to pick up the infant, and a parent who has just given birth can leave the baby with medical staff at the hospital.

Criminal investigations could still be conducted if there are signs of any abuse. Medical staff who accept a surrendered infant in good faith are also immune from criminal and civil liability.

Climate change eliminated from laws ( HB 1645 )

DeSantis signed a bill in March that virtually deletes climate change from state laws, despite Florida being one of the most vulnerable states to its impacts.

The bill would also boost expansion of natural gas, reduce regulation on gas pipelines in the state and increase protections against bans on gas appliances such as stoves, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

Florida is already about 74% reliant on natural gas to power electric generation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Opponents of the bill DeSantis signed say it removes the word “climate’ in nine different places, moves the state’s energy goals away from efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gases blamed for a warming planet.

“This purposeful act of cognitive dissonance is proof that the governor and state Legislature are not acting in the best interests of Floridians, but rather to protect profits for the fossil fuel industry,” said Yoca Arditi-Rocha, executive director of the nonprofit Cleo Institute, which advocates for climate change education and engagement.

The legislation also eliminates requirements that government agencies hold conferences and meetings in hotels certified by the state’s environmental agency as “green lodging” and that government agencies make fuel efficiency the top priority in buying new vehicles. It also ends a requirement that Florida state agencies look at a list of “climate-friendly” products before making purchases.

Ban on lab-grown meat ( SB 1084 )

Lab-grown meat is not available in any state yet, but Florida has already banned it .

A 2020 study published in the National Library of Medicine found red meat production has a significant impact due to greenhouse gas contribution.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved the sale of cultivated meat , also known as “lab-grown meat,” from two companies: Good Meat Inc. and Upside Foods. The product is grown from animal cells and shaped into familiar forms like burger patties and chicken nuggets.

Though touted as a more environmentally friendly meat alternative, a 2023 study from the University of California, Davis , suggests that lab-grown meat actually may be worse for the climate, as the cultivation process is energy-intensive. The study, which has yet to be peer-reviewed, concluded that more research is needed.

Domestic violence ( SB 1224 )

Under the bill, law enforcement is required to take training on assessing whether or not a domestic violence victim is at higher risk for harm by asking a series of questions.

Did the aggressor ever use a weapon against you or threaten you with a weapon?
Did the aggressor ever threaten to kill you or your children?
Do you believe the aggressor will try to kill you?
Has the aggressor ever choked you or attempted to choke you?
Does the aggressor have a gun or could the aggressor easily obtain a gun?
Is the aggressor violently or constantly jealous, or does the aggressor control most of your daily activities?
Did you leave or separate from the aggressor after you were living together or married?
Is the aggressor unemployed?
To the best of your knowledge, has the aggressor ever attempted suicide?
Do you have a child whom the aggressor believes is not the aggressor’s biological child?
Has the aggressor every followed, spied on, or left threatening messages for you?
Is there anything else that worries you about your safety and, if so, what worries you?

Law enforcement officers will now have to direct the victim to the nearest certified domestic violence shelter if the victim answers yes to any of the first four questions, or if they answer no to the first four questions but yes to at least four of questions five through 11.

The bill, first introduced by Sen. Colleen Burton (R-Lakeland) and co-sponsored by Sen. Erin Grall (R-Fort Pierce), includes language the Petito family pushed for following the murder of Gabby Petito by her fiancé Brian Laundrie in 2021.

“We are thrilled to see the child welfare and lethality assessment bill 1224 pass in the state of Florida,” Gabby’s father, Joe Petito, said in a statement after the bill was unanimously passed by Florida lawmakers back in March. “It’s a significant milestone in the fight against domestic violence and a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. This achievement brings hope and protection to survivors, ensuring their safety and well-being.”

The Lethality Training Assessment requirements must be completed by Oct. 1, 2026.

HOA fine limits and transparency ( HB 1203 )

The bill states that HOAs can’t fine residents for leaving out a trash can within 24 hours before or after the collection day or time, or for leaving holiday decorations up for longer than indicated in governing documents unless the decorations are left up more than one week after a written notice is issued.

HOAs can’t ban residents from parking personal vehicles, “including a pickup truck,” or work vehicles — that aren’t commercial vehicles — on the property. It also amends part of the law pertaining to parking law enforcement vehicles on the property to include any assigned first responder vehicle.

The associations would not be allowed to set requirements or rules for the inside of a home for things that are not visible from the outside or from a neighboring home.

HOAs with more than 100 parcels would have to post online any articles of incorporation, recorded bylaws, declaration of covenants, current rules, annual budgets, and other documents by Jan. 1, 2025.

More money for My Safe Florida program ( SB 7028 )

DeSantis signed a bill that gives $200 million to the My Safe Florida Home program , which helps homeowners with upgrading their homes for better protection from hurricanes, after the program ran out of money.

Applicants can get a free home inspection to identify ways to improve their houses for hurricane season. Homeowners can then apply for a grant of up to $10,000 to upgrade windows, exterior doors and garage doors and strengthen roofs.

The application portal will reopen on July 1 with priority given to low-income seniors and those who previously applied for the program before it ran out of money.

New moms exempt from jury duty ( HB 461 )

New moms will no longer have to report for jury duty under this new law.

Any woman who gives birth within six months before the reporting date listed on the summons can ask to be exempt .

Large wine bottles ( HB 583 )

Under this law, businesses will be allowed to sell wine bottles holding 4.5 liters, 6 liters, 9 liters, 12 liters, or 15 liters to Floridians.

Previously, it was unlawful for a business to sell a bottle holding more than one gallon of wine unless it was in a reusable container. Wine distributors and manufacturers are currently allowed to sell winter to other distributors and manufacturers in any size containers.

“In Florida, we are always looking for ways to reduce regulation and improve our residents’ quality of life,” DeSantis said. “If Floridians can purchase a large bottle of wine online from another state, they should be able to buy one from their local wine or grocery store.”

Squatters ( HB 621 )

Floridians will be allowed to call a sheriff to remove a squatter from one of their properties, as long as the following conditions are met:

The individual unlawfully entered and remains on the property
The individual was directed to leave the property but hasn’t
The individual is not a current or former tenant in a legal dispute

Owners could face penalties if those conditions are not met. An attorney said that if a squatter claims they had a valid lease agreement, the sheriff won’t do anything until a court rules that the agreement is not valid.

The bill also creates penalties for squatters and for people who teach squatting.

No intentional balloon releases ( HB 321 )

House Bill 321 makes it unlawful for any person or organization to organize or intentionally cause the release of balloons .

Exceptions include balloons released indoors, or by government agencies. The bill does not apply to anyone under the age of 6.

Violating the law would be considered a littering infraction.

All 178 laws going into effect July 1

Note: This list includes bills signed into law as of June 26. There are still several other bills passed in this legislative session that are awaiting action from the governor. Those bills, if signed, will be added to this list.

HB 21 : Dozier School for Boys and Okeechobee School Victim Compensation Program
SB 46 : Reading Achievement Initiative for Scholastic Excellence Program
HB 49 : Employment
HB 59 : Provision Of Homeowners’ Association Rules and Covenants
HB 73 : Supported Decisionmaking Authority
HB 85 : Pub. Rec./New State Banks and New State Trust Companies
HB 87 : Taking of Bears
HB 103 : Pub. Rec./County and City Attorneys
HB 113 : Tax Collections and Sales
HB 117 : Disclosure of Grand Jury Testimony
HB 141 : Economic Development
HB 149 : Continuing Contracts
HB 151 : Florida Retirement System
SB 158 : Value of Motor Vehicles Exempt from Legal Process
HB 159 : HIV Infection Prevention Drugs
SB 168 : Congenital Cytomegalovirus Screenings
HB 179 : Towing and Storage
SB 186 : Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases Policy Committee
HB 187 : Antisemitism
HB 197 : Health Care Practitioners and Massage Therapy
HB 201 : Emergency Refills of Insulin and Insulin-related Supplies or Equipment
HB 215 : Risk Retention Groups
HB 217 : College Campus Facilities in Areas of Critical State Concern
HB 241 : Coverage for Skin Cancer Screenings
HB 271 : Motor Vehicle Parking on Private Property
HB 275 : Offenses Involving Critical Infrastructure
SB 276 : Review of Advisory Bodies
HB 287 : Transportation
HB 303 : Rabies Vaccinations
SB 304 : Household Moving Services
HB 305 : Offenses Involving Children
HB 321 : Release of Balloons
SB 330 : Behavioral Health Teaching Hospitals
HB 353 : Alternative Headquarters for District Court Judges
HB 357 : Special Observances
SB 364 : Public Service Commission Rules
SB 366 : Civil Penalties Under the Gas Safety Law of 1967
HB 377 : License or Permit to Operate a Vehicle for Hire
HB 379 : Pub. Rec./Financial Information Regarding Competitive Bidding
SB 382 : Continuing Education Requirements
HB 385 : Safe Exchange of Minor Children
HB 405 : Regulation of Commercial Motor Vehicles
HB 415 : Pregnancy and Parenting Resources Website
HB 429 : Real Property
HB 433 : Employment Regulations
HB 437 : Anchoring Limitation Areas
HB 461 : Excusal from Jury Service
HB 463 : Lights Displayed on Fire Department Vehicles
HB 481 : Building Construction Regulations and System Warranties
HB 487 : Lost and Abandoned Property
HB 521 : Equitable Distribution of Marital Assets and Liabilities
SB 522 : Tallahassee Community College
HB 523 : Florida Seal of Fine Arts Program
HB 535 : Low-voltage Alarm System Projects
HB 537 : Student Achievement
SB 544 : Swimming Lesson Voucher Program
SB 564 : Young Adult Aftercare Services
HB 583 : Individual Wine Containers
HB 591 : Hot Car Death Prevention
SB 592 : Historical Preservation Programs
HB 601 : Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers
HB 613 : Mobile Home Park Lot Tenancies
HB 621 : Property Rights
HB 623 : Builder Warranties
SB 644 : Rural Emergency Hospitals
SB 674 : United States-produced Iron and Steel in Public Works Projects
SB 678 : Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Grant Program
SB 692 : Public Records/Florida Gaming Control Commission
HB 705 : Public Works Projects
HB 707 : State University Unexpended Funds
HB 709 : In-store Servicing of Alcoholic Beverages
HB 725 : Veterans’ Long-term Care Facilities Admissions
HB 761 : Interpersonal Violence Injunction Petitions
HB 775 : Surrendered Infants
HB 781 : Unsolicited Proposals for Public-private Partnerships
SB 804 : Gaming Licenses and Permits
HB 813 : Certified Public Accountants
SB 818 : Military Leave
SB 832 : Employment of Individuals with Disabilities
HB 849 : Veterinary Practices
HB 855 : Dental Services
HB 865 : Youth Athletic Activities
HB 883 : Short-acting Bronchodilator Use in Public and Private Schools
HB 885 : Coverage for Biomarker Testing
HB 917 : Career and Technical Education
HB 919 : Artificial Intelligence Use in Political Advertising
HB 931 : School Chaplains
HB 935 : Home Health Care Services
HB 937 : Purple Alert
SB 938 : Dentistry
HB 939 : Consumer Protection
SB 958 : Local Government Employees
SB 968 : Spaceport Territory
HB 975 : Background Screenings and Certifications
HB 983 : Pub. Rec./Clerks of the Circuit Court, Deputy Clerks, and Clerk Personnel
SB 984 : Judgment Liens
SB 998 : Sale of Liquefied Petroleum Gas
HB 1021 : Community Associations
HB 1029 : My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program
HB 1031 : Debt Relief Services
HB 1065 : Substance Abuse Treatment
HB 1083 : Permanency for Children
SB 1084 : Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
SB 1090 : Unauthorized Sale of Alcoholic Beverages
HB 1109 : Security for Jewish Day Schools and Preschools
HB 1113 : Use of Lights and Sirens on Emergency Vehicles
HB 1131 : Online Sting Operations Grant Program
HB 1133 : Violations Against Vulnerable Road Users
SB 1136 : Regulation of Water Resources
SB 1142 : Occupational Licensing
HB 1161 : Verification of Eligibility for Homestead Exemption
HB 1181 : Juvenile Justice
SB 1198 : Corporate Actions
HB 1203 : Homeowners’ Associations
SB 1224 : Protection of Children and Victims of Crime
HB 1227 : Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day
HB 1259 : Providers of Cardiovascular Services
HB 1264 : History of Communism
HB 1267 : Economic Self-sufficiency
HB 1285 : Education
SB 1286 : Return of Weapons and Arms Following an Arrest
HB 1291 : Educator Preparation Programs
HB 1301 : Department of Transportation
HB 1317 : Patriotic Organizations
HB 1329 : Veterans
HB 1331 : Commodities Produced by Forced Labor
HB 1335 : Department of Business and Professional Regulation
HB 1337 : Department of Corrections
SB 1350 : Salvage
HB 1361 : Education
HB 1363 : Traffic Enforcement
HB 1403 : School Choice
SB 1420 : Department of Commerce
HB 1425 : Juvenile Justice
HB 1451 : Identification Documents
SB 1456 : Counties Designated as Areas of Critical State Concern
HB 1473 : School Safety
HB 1503 : Citizens Property Insurance Corporation
HB 1509 : Pub. Rec./School Guardians
SB 1512 : Controlled Substances
SB 1532 : Mitigation
HB 1555 : Cybersecurity
HB 1557 : Department of Environmental Protection
HB 1565 : Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative
HB 1567 : Qualifications for County Emergency Management Directors
HB 1569 : Exemption from Regulation for Bona Fide Nonprofit Organizations
SB 1582 : Department of Health
HB 1589 : Driving Without a Valid Driver License
HB 1611 : Insurance
SB 1616 : Electronic Access to Official Records
HB 1645 : Energy Resources
HB 1653 : Duties and Prohibited Acts Associated with Death
SB 1680 : Advanced Technology
SB 1688 : Career-themed Courses
SB 1704 : Sheriffs in Consolidated Governments
SB 1720 : Marine Encroachment on Military Operations
SB 1758 : Individuals with Disabilities
SB 1764 : Car Racing Penalties
SB 2518 : Health and Human Services
HB 5001 : General Appropriations Act
HB 5003 : Implementing the 2024-2025 General Appropriations Act
HB 5005 : Collective Bargaining
HB 5101 : Education
HB 5201 : Trust Funds/Federal Law Enforcement Trust Fund/FGCC
HB 5203 : Property Seized by the Florida Gaming Control Commission
HB 5401 : Judges
SB 7002 : Deregulation of Public Schools
SB 7004 : Education
HB 7011 : Inactive Special Districts
HB 7013 : Special Districts
HB 7021 : Mental Health and Substance Abuse
SB 7028 : My Safe Florida Home Program
SB 7032 : Education
HB 7063 : Anti-human Trafficking
SB 7072 : Cancer Funding
HB 7073 : Taxation
SB 7078 : Public Records and Meetings/Cancer Research Grant Applications
HB 7089 : Transparency in Health and Human Services

This story includes reporting from Garrett Phillips , Rachel Tucker , Katlyn Brieskorn , Nathaniel Rodriguez , Sara Filips , Shannon Behnken , and the Associated Press.