Nine new Florida laws took effect in Florida on January 1st, 2025, shaping areas like social media, public safety, and healthcare
As the calendar flips to 2025, Floridians face a series of new laws addressing issues ranging from social media regulations for minors to financial protections for seniors.
Here's a breakdown of the nine most significant laws that took effect on January 1, 2025:
HB 3: Online Protections for Minors
Florida now requires parental consent for teenagers aged 14 and 15 to create accounts on social media platforms that feature addictive elements like infinite scrolling and push notifications. Kids under 14 are barred from creating accounts entirely. The law also mandates age verification on pornography websites to ensure users are over 18.
However, enforcement is on hold pending a legal challenge. Attorney General Ashley Moody agreed to delay implementation after tech groups, including NetChoice, filed a lawsuit claiming the law violates First Amendment rights. A federal judge will hear arguments on February 28.
HB 135: Voter Registration Applications
HB 135 addresses glitches in Florida's voter registration system that had mistakenly changed voter affiliations. Going forward, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is prohibited from altering a person’s party affiliation without a signed authorization. The law aims to prevent confusion at the polls, especially during primary elections.
SB 184: Impeding, Threatening, or Harassing First Responders
Under SB 184, it is now a misdemeanor to come within 25 feet of a first responder performing their duties if they have asked you to stay back. While supporters argue the law improves safety for emergency workers, critics, including the First Amendment Foundation, warn it could hinder journalists' ability to document police activities and violate constitutional rights.
HB 267: Building Regulations
Local governments now face stricter deadlines for processing building permits. HB 267 requires that permits for buildings up to 7,500 square feet be approved or denied within 30 business days, while larger structures must be addressed within 60 business days. The new law also shortens the time frame for identifying incomplete applications and imposes penalties if deadlines are missed.
SB 362: Medical Treatment Under the Workers' Compensation Law
Physicians treating injured workers will see a significant fee increase under SB 362. Payment rates for physicians and surgeons have risen to 175 percent and 210 percent of Medicare rates, respectively. The law also increases the hourly rate for healthcare expert witnesses from $200 to $300.
Florida’s insurance regulator cited this law as a reason for a modest 1 percent reduction in workers' compensation rates, effective since November.
SB 556: Protection of Specified Adults
To combat the financial exploitation of older adults, SB 556 allows banks to place a 30-day hold on transactions if they suspect a customer over the age of 65 is being exploited. The institution must notify other authorized account users within three days and begin an internal investigation. This measure aims to protect seniors from financial scams.
SB 7054: Private Activity Bonds
The updated law on private activity bonds (PBAs) aims to enhance Florida’s ability to finance public-benefit projects through private companies. SB 7054 increases the bond issuance pools and extends timelines for using the funds, which will benefit affordable housing and infrastructure projects across the state.
SB 892: Dental Insurance Claims
SB 892 introduces new protections for dentists. Insurance companies and managed care plans must now obtain a dentist’s consent before issuing electronic payments and cannot charge for electronic transactions without prior agreement. Additionally, insurers cannot deny payment for authorized services unless fraud is involved.
HB 1093: Florida Uniform Fiduciary Income and Principal Act
HB 1093, crafted by the Florida Bar, updates trust and estate laws to make Florida a more attractive place for administering fiduciary arrangements. The law allows trusts to last up to 1,000 years and provides more flexibility for fiduciaries managing estates. Florida joins seven other states that have adopted similar legislation.
What’s Next?
While some laws have drawn praise for addressing pressing issues, others are already facing legal challenges. As enforcement unfolds, Floridians will see how these changes impact their daily lives.
To stay informed about ongoing legislative changes and their impact across Florida, subscribe to the Calle Ocho News Newsletter for regular updates on local laws, events, and community stories.
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