The state of Florida is preparing for the enactment of 80 new laws on July 1, 2025.
These regulations, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis and approved by the state legislature, affect various areas such as public safety, immigration, education, health, animal rights, and the environment.
With a projected population of 23,839,600 inhabitants for 2025, of which 26.8% are Hispanic, these reforms have considerable reach and could significantly transform the daily lives of millions of residents.
Public safety: tightening of penalties and new controls
A substantial part of the legislative package focuses on strengthening public safety.
Among the highlighted laws:
HB 255: Creates a state database of individuals convicted of animal cruelty, with fines of up to $5,000.
HB 279: Penalizes "swatting" with up to 7 years in prison if there are injuries.
HB 593: Regulates the ownership of dangerous dogs, requires microchipping, sterilization, and insurance.
HB 1053: Expands programs against child exploitation and care for retired police dogs.
HB 1099: Allows for not arresting individuals with severe medical conditions.
SB 612: Classifies the lethal distribution of drugs to minors as murder.
SB 1470: Requires enhanced security in schools, including detection dogs.
HB 259: Designates August 21 as Fentanyl Awareness Day.
HB 351: Creates the crime of "dangerous speeding."
HB 383: Exempts police and military personnel from the waiting period to acquire firearms.
HB 1487: Adjusts requirements for volunteer ambulance services.
SB 322: Facilitates the eviction of illegal occupants in commercial properties.
SB 1388: Prohibits maritime detentions without probable cause.
Immigration legislation: restrictive measures and border control
HB 915: Prohibits misleading advertising of immigration services by non-attorneys.
SB 830: Prohibits the use of improvised vessels for migrants.
Education: Reforms in content, security, and access
HB 443: Charter schools can define their own codes of conduct.
HB 447: Mandatory education on disabilities in October.
HB 1105: Limits the use of cell phones, promotes technical careers, and modifies diploma requirements.
HB 1255: Changes criteria for economic disadvantage and regulates corporal punishment.
HB 1237: Mandatory training on human trafficking in public schools.
HB 1607: Mandatory instruction in CPR and cardiac emergency plans.
HB 711: Creates "Spectrum Alert" for missing autistic children.
SB 296: Flexibilizes the implementation of later school schedules.
SB 1402: Establishes evaluation metrics for school recovery programs.
Public health and well-being
HB 597: Authorizes schools to request glucagon to treat diabetes.
HB 1567: Authorizes the administration of insulin by family members or caregivers.
SB 1514: Requires epinephrine and training for school anaphylaxis.
HB 1195: Requires hospitals to detect fentanyl in overdoses.
SB 116: Expands suicide prevention for veterans.
HB 1299: Prohibits discrimination based on vaccination status.
HB 647: Allows certified nurses to issue death certificates.
Housing, leases, and urban services
HB 615: Legalizes electronic notices between landlords and tenants.
HB 797: Authorizes exclusive beds for veterans in nursing homes.
HB 1359 / SB 678: They are studying a state database for pawn shops.
Environment and parks
HB 209: Limits sports constructions in state parks.
HB 733: Enhances incentives for the recovery of contaminated land.
SB 700: Omnibus agricultural law that prohibits water fluoridation, the transportation of psychedelic spores, and strengthens control over NGOs with foreign funds.
HB 551: Streamlines permits for changes to fire protection systems.
HB 735: Encourages clean marinas and improves public nautical access.
SB 582: Increases penalties for unauthorized demolition of historic buildings.
HB 1123: Authorizes the expansion of sewer systems with service funds.
Animal rights and social protection
HB 791: Authorizes the use of safe devices for the anonymous delivery of babies.
HB 809: Exempts school social workers from additional academic testing.
HB 597: Improves treatment for students with diabetes.
HB 1353: Gives flexibility to health agencies in the distribution of staff tasks.
SB 480: Allows nonprofit agricultural organizations to provide medical benefits.
Justice, technology, and public ethics
HB 531: Public education on health provider backgrounds.
HB 1559: Strengthens penalties against abusive litigants.
SB 348: Punishes frauds related to military service and seizures for ethical reasons.
SB 472: Guarantees licenses for inmates who complete training.
HB 901: Regulates challenges to forensic psychologists in family disputes.
SB 994: Reduce the collection period for insurers to psychologists.
HB 513: Digitizes urgent court orders.
Transport, traffic, and public services
SB 867: Regulates the operation of commuter trains on the coast.
SB 940: Prohibits the sale of restaurant reservations without prior agreement.
SB 606: Strengthens legal tools to evict troublesome guests in hotels.
SB 700: It also includes a provision that allows the suspension of concealed carry licenses following an arrest.
Special themes and commemorations
HB 259: Fentanyl Day (August 21).
SB 356: Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27).
HB 549 and HB 575: Incorporate "Gulf of America" into school and state materials.
HB 1313: Creates the “Florida Resilient” trust fund.
HB 1237: Requires training against human trafficking.
HB 1089: Mandatory screening for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy starting in 2027.
Expected impact of the legislative reforms
These legislative reforms are situated within a growing debate on security, migration, individual rights, and state regulations.
For the Hispanic community, which is especially vulnerable to changes in migration and services, the impact can be significant.
At the same time, measures against crime, educational improvements, and environmental controls could contribute to a higher quality of life and governance.
The implementation of these 80 laws promises to redefine Florida's legal landscape, with consequences that will be felt across the state starting July 1.
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