Around 30 new laws went into effect on October 1 in Florida

Florida is set to implement nearly 30 new state laws this Tuesday, the result of the most recent legislative session.

They add to the more than 100 provisions that had already come into effect on July 1, establishing a regulatory framework that impacts areas such as public safety, criminal justice, animal protection, and victims' rights, among others.

Stricter criminal and traffic laws

Among the provisions, several are focused on strengthening penalties for crimes related to public safety and traffic.

The HB 113 redefines the legal framework for those fleeing or attempting to evade a law enforcement officer, adjusting the identification requirements for official vehicles and applying a sentence multiplier for specific offenses.

For its part, HB 253 expands the penalties related to motor vehicles, imposing stricter punishments for the possession and use of devices that conceal license plates, the improper use of lights on the road, and the manipulation of registration documents or stickers.

HB 479 introduces the obligation for drivers convicted of leaving the scene of an accident—when only property damage is involved—to assume responsibility for the damages caused.

In parallel, HB 687, known as the "Trenton Stewart Act," toughens penalties for vehicular homicide or driving under the influence of alcohol in cases of repeat offenses.

It also establishes penalties for those who refuse legal breath or urine tests after being arrested for DUI, including the possibility that a second refusal or recurrence will be considered a first-degree felony, with sentences of up to 30 years in prison.

Animal protection and mental health

Another significant change is SB 150, also known as "Trooper Law", which penalizes the abandonment of dogs during natural disasters. The law is inspired by the case of a dog rescued by the Highway Patrol after being left chained during Hurricane Milton.

In the realm of justice and mental health, SB 168, known as the "Tristin Murphy Act," seeks to protect defendants with psychiatric conditions. It mandates mandatory clinical evaluations for those regaining mental competency and being sentenced to probation, along with specific supervision conditions.

Technological control and judicial monitoring

HB 437 establishes stricter penalties for the manipulation of electronic monitoring devices, including the automatic revocation of parole in case of non-compliance and new provisions applicable to individuals under 18 years of age. Judges may, in certain cases, grant a new bail under special conditions.

Capital crimes and aggravating factors

HB 693 introduces a new aggravating factor in the imposition of sentences for capital crimes, considering it an additional aggravating circumstance when the victim was gathered with one or more individuals for specific activities at the time of the crime.

An expanding legislative framework

These nearly 30 new provisions strengthen a cycle of regulatory changes that began on July 1, when more than 100 state laws had already started to take effect.

That wave of legislation encompassed areas as diverse as education, health, immigration, animal protection, the environment, housing, transportation, and public safety.

That package included, among other things, the Dexter Law, which established a state database of offenders for animal cruelty; regulations against false emergency calls; harsher penalties for distributing drugs to minors; increased safety requirements in schools; and measures for social, health, and environmental protection.

With a population of nearly 24 million residents, of which more than six million are Hispanic, Florida is experiencing a regulatory transformation that directly impacts the daily lives of its inhabitants.

While some sectors celebrate the measures as progress in security, justice, and public health, others have expressed concern about the extent of the sanctions and their implications for civil rights.

New Laws in Florida: Impact and Most Relevant Changes