That’s right—over 30 new laws will take effect in Florida on October 1, 2024.
Starting October 1, many of these laws are generating debate and discussion in the community. Below are some of the most relevant:
Contents
Notable Laws
- Ban on Public Sleeping (HB 1365): This law prohibits homeless individuals from sleeping in public spaces, though it establishes designated camping areas when shelters are full. Critics argue it does not address the root causes of homelessness.
- Vehicle Registration Diagnosis Designation (HB 341): Allows individuals with disabilities to declare their condition on their vehicle registration, facilitating interactions with law enforcement and emergency services.
- Increased Penalties for Retail Theft (HB 549): This law classifies certain retail thefts as felonies, particularly if they involve large groups or the use of social media to incite theft.
- Penalties for Exposing First Responders to Fentanyl (SB 718): Increases penalties for those who recklessly expose first responders to substances like fentanyl, causing overdoses or injuries.
- Flood Disclosure in Real Estate Transactions (HB 1049): Requires property sellers to disclose previous flood damage, helping buyers make informed decisions about insurance.
- Increased Penalties for Fraud Targeting Vulnerable Groups (HB 1171): Raises penalties for fraud schemes targeting seniors, minors, or individuals with disabilities.
Other Laws Taking Effect
- Hope Cards for Protection Orders (SB 86)
- Yacht and Boat Brokerage Law (SB 92)
- Special License Plates (HB 403)
- Alzheimer’s Training for Law Enforcement (HB 801)
- Fraud Schemes (HB 1171)
- Child Exploitation Crimes (HB 1545)
These laws reflect a range of approaches, from public safety to protecting vulnerable groups, and their implementation will be closely watched by citizens and lawmakers.
The 31 Laws Take Effect on October 1
- SB 86: Hope Cards for individuals issued protection orders
- SB 92: Yacht and boat brokerage law
- HB 341: Designation of a diagnosis on motor vehicle registrations
- HB 403: Special license plates
- HB 479: Alternative mobility funding systems and impact fees
- SB 532: Securities
- HB 549: Theft
- SB 718: Exposure of first responders to fentanyl and fentanyl analogs
- SB 758: Tracking devices and applications
- SB 764: Retention of sexual offense evidence
- HB 801: Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia training for law enforcement and correctional officers
- SB 808: Treatment by a specialist physician
- SB 902: Financial agreements for motor vehicle retail sales
- HB 1007: Nicotine dispensing devices
- SB 1036: Reclassification of criminal penalties
- HB 1049: Disclosure of flood information in real estate sales
- HB 1171: Fraud schemes
- HB 1235: Sexual predators and offenders
- HB 1365: Unauthorized public camping and public sleeping places
- HB 1389: Digital voyeurism
- HB 1415: Peer support for first responders
- HB 1545: Child exploitation crimes
- SB 1628: Local government actions
- HB 7001: OGSR/Child abuse, abandonment, or neglect reporter
- HB 7003: OGSR/Pre-registered voters
- HB 7005: OGSR/Financial disclosure
- SB 7006: OGSR/Public service owned or operated by a local government unit
- HB 7007: OGSR/Campus emergency response
- SB 7008: OGSR/Lottery Department
- HB 7009: OGSR/Mental health treatment and services
- HB 7043: OGSR/Agency and personnel information
Image: Wfla
Written by
Federico Rodriguez1,592 stories published
Writes for El Hispano Para Todos, the newspaper of the Latino community of Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast.
See all their stories →
