Around thirty new state laws came into effect in Florida on October 1, and being aware of them will help avoid possible setbacks that could lead those who are unaware to jail.
Most of the bills were approved during this year's legislative session and have been in effect since July 1, including the budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025. However, 34 of them took effect this Tuesday.
In addition to the prohibition of camping for sleeping - which has been one of the most discussed - the measures include stricter penalties for "group" theft in stores, the use of tracking devices without consent, as well as digital voyeurism.
Penalties are also increased for immigrants who are arrested for serious crimes after re-entering the United States illegally after having been deported for previous offenses.
Here is a summary of ten of the new laws.
HB 1365: Prohibition of camping in public spaces
This law prohibits homeless people from camping or sleeping on public properties not designated for such purposes.
It allows residents and businesses to sue counties that do not enforce this ban. Local governments can establish temporary annual camps if there is not enough space in shelters. The camps must be safe and clean, and counties with fiscal constraints are exempt.
SB 758: Law on Tracking Devices
It prohibits the use of tracking devices on someone else's property without their consent, except in certain exceptions (such as for law enforcement officers, parents of minors, or caregivers). Violations of this law are penalized as a third-degree felony.
HB 549: Serious offense for group thefts
It establishes that being part of a group of five or more people committing a robbery at a business becomes a third-degree felony.
HB 1036: Increase in penalties for repeat immigrant offenders
Increases the criminal penalties for immigrants who commit serious crimes after having illegally reentered the United States after being deported for previous crimes.
HB 1049: Disclosure of flood damage in residential sales
It requires property sellers to inform buyers if the home has suffered damage from floods or if they have received federal assistance for floods. They must also clarify that flood insurance is separate from the standard homeowner's policy.
HB 1389: Penalties for Digital Voyeurism
The penalties increase for individuals over 19 years of age who take pictures or videos without consent for the purpose of capturing another person's intimate parts. This is considered a third-degree felony, with a penalty of up to five years in prison.
SB 86: "Hope Cards" Program
Create a program that allows individuals with protection orders to request a physical or digital card with details of the order, which can be used as proof if needed. It includes information about the protected person, the aggressor, and the date of issuance of the order.
HB 341: Voluntary inclusion of disabilities in the driving record
It allows individuals to voluntarily add information about disabilities to their driving history or indicate if they are parents or legal guardians of a child with a particular diagnosis.
SB 718: Serious crime for reckless exposure to controlled substances
It becomes a second-degree felony to recklessly expose first responders to controlled substances during their illegal possession if this causes an overdose or serious injury.
HB 403: New commemorative plaques
New license plates are introduced, including one in honor of the late singer Jimmy Buffett, with proceeds benefiting the charity foundation Singing for Change. Plates for Universal Orlando Resort, General Aviation, and Boating Capital of the World are also added.
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