Florida Set to Implement Sweeping Legal Reforms on July 1

As of July 1, 2025, the state of Florida will usher in 80 new laws, signed into effect by Governor Ron DeSantis and approved by the state legislature. These regulations span a wide array of sectors, including public safety, immigration, education, health, animal rights, and environmental protection. With a projected population of 23,839,600 by 2025, of which 26.8% are Hispanic, these legislative changes are poised to significantly impact the daily lives of millions of residents.

Public Safety: Tougher Penalties and New Measures

A major focus of the legislative package is enhancing public safety. Key laws include:

• HB 255: Establishes a state database for animal cruelty offenders, with fines up to $5,000.
• HB 279: Criminalizes "swatting," imposing up to 7 years' imprisonment if injuries occur.
• HB 593: Regulates ownership of dangerous dogs, requiring microchips, sterilization, and insurance.
• HB 1053: Expands programs against child exploitation and provides care for retired police dogs.
• HB 1099: Allows discretion not to arrest individuals with severe medical conditions.
• SB 612: Classifies the distribution of lethal drugs to minors as murder.
• SB 1470: Mandates enhanced school security, including the use of detection dogs.
• HB 259: Designates August 21 as Fentanyl Awareness Day.
• HB 351: Creates the offense of "dangerous speeding."
• HB 383: Exempts police and military personnel from the waiting period for purchasing firearms.
• HB 1487: Adjusts requirements for volunteer ambulance services.
• SB 322: Eases evictions of illegal occupants in commercial properties.
• SB 1388: Prohibits maritime arrests without probable cause.

Immigration Legislation: Restrictive Measures and Border Control

The new laws also introduce stricter immigration measures:

• HB 915: Bans misleading advertising of immigration services by non-lawyers.
• SB 830: Prohibits the use of makeshift vessels for migrants.

Educational Reforms: Curriculum, Safety, and Access

Changes in the educational sector include:

• HB 443: Charter schools can set their own codes of conduct.
• HB 447: Mandatory education on disabilities in October.
• HB 1105: Limits cell phone use, promotes technical careers, and modifies diploma requirements.
• HB 1255: Alters economic disadvantage criteria and regulates corporal punishment.
• HB 1237: Mandatory training on human trafficking in public schools.
• HB 1607: Required instruction in CPR and cardiac emergency plans.
• HB 711: Creates “Spectrum Alert” for missing autistic children.
• SB 296: Eases the application of later school start times.
• SB 1402: Establishes evaluation metrics for school recovery programs.

Public Health and Well-being

Public health and well-being initiatives include:

• HB 597: Allows schools to request glucagon for diabetes treatment.
• HB 1567: Permits administration of insulin by family members or caregivers.
• SB 1514: Requires epinephrine and training for school anaphylaxis response.
• HB 1195: Mandates hospitals to test for fentanyl in overdose cases.
• SB 116: Expands suicide prevention efforts for veterans.
• HB 1299: Prohibits discrimination based on vaccination status.
• HB 647: Allows certified nurses to issue death certificates.

Environmental and Park Regulations

Environmental legislation aims to protect natural resources:

• HB 209: Limits sports construction in state parks.
• HB 733: Enhances incentives for reclaiming contaminated lands.
• SB 700: An agricultural omnibus law prohibiting water fluoridation, psychedelic spore transport, and tightening control over NGOs with foreign funding.
• HB 551: Speeds up permits for changes to fire protection systems.
• HB 735: Promotes clean marinas and improves public nautical access.
• SB 582: Increases penalties for unauthorized demolition of historic buildings.
• HB 1123: Authorizes the expansion of sewer networks with service funds.

Animal Rights and Social Protection

The legislation also addresses animal rights and social protection:

• HB 791: Authorizes safe devices for anonymous baby drop-offs.
• HB 809: Exempts school social workers from additional academic testing.
• HB 597: Improves treatment for students with diabetes.
• HB 1353: Provides flexibility to health agencies in staff task distribution.
• SB 480: Allows nonprofit agricultural organizations to offer medical benefits.

Housing, Leasing, and Urban Services

Significant changes in housing and urban services include:

• HB 615: Legalizes electronic notifications between landlords and tenants.
• HB 797: Authorizes exclusive veteran beds in nursing homes.
• HB 1359 / SB 678: Studies a state database for pawn shops.

Justice, Technology, and Public Ethics

Reforms in justice and ethics include:

• HB 531: Public education on health providers' backgrounds.
• HB 1559: Toughens penalties against abusive litigants.
• SB 348: Penalizes fraud regarding military service and ethics-related embargoes.
• SB 472: Ensures licenses for inmates completing training.
• HB 901: Regulates challenges to forensic psychologists in family disputes.
• SB 994: Shortens the insurance claim period for psychologists.
• HB 513: Digitizes urgent court orders.

Transportation, Traffic, and Public Services

Key changes involve:

• SB 867: Regulates commuter train operations along the coast.
• SB 940: Bans selling restaurant reservations without prior agreement.
• SB 606: Strengthens legal tools to evict disruptive hotel guests.
• SB 700: Includes a provision to suspend concealed carry licenses after an arrest.

Special Topics and Commemorations

New special observances and topics include:

• HB 259: Fentanyl Awareness Day (August 21).
• SB 356: Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27).
• HB 549 and HB 575: Incorporate "Gulf of America" in educational materials.
• HB 1313: Recreates the "Florida Resilient" trust fund.
• HB 1237: Requires anti-human trafficking training.
• HB 1089: Mandatory screening for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by 2027.

These legislative reforms come amid a growing debate over security, migration, individual rights, and state regulations. For the Hispanic community, particularly vulnerable to changes in immigration and services, the impact could be substantial. At the same time, measures against crime, educational improvements, and environmental controls could contribute to better quality of life and governance. The implementation of these 80 laws promises to reshape Florida's legal landscape, with effects that will be felt across the state starting July 1.