As July 1st rolls around, Florida residents and businesses brace for the implementation of nearly 180 new laws. These legislative adjustments span a range of topics, from employment regulations to “stand your ground” against bears, to enhanced penalties for street racing. The new laws also include provisions for better medical debt collections practices, offering greater transparency and protection for patients. This is something we are always mindful of when representing our clients in personal injury cases, and we believe that more transparency is a good thing in medical billing. Some of these laws will have a positive impact on public safety, some are questionable. Here’s a brief overview of some of the laws that are likely to have the most immediate impact on the lives of Floridians.
New Laws Effective July 1, 2024
The following table outlines some of the most notable new laws with a brief summary:
| Subject | Summary | Link |
| Street Racing | Increased penalties for street racing—$2,000 fine for first offenses, potential felony for seconds. Spectator fines up to $400. | Senate Bill 1764 |
| Education on Communism | Public schools required to teach about the history of communism starting in the 2026-2027 school year, designed for all ages. | Senate Bill 1264 |
| Civilian Police Review Boards | Prohibits civilian boards from investigating law enforcement activities. | House Bill 601 |
| Work Hours for Minors | 16- and 17-year-olds can now work longer hours, with potential exceptions to the 30-hour school week limit. | House Bill 49 |
| Driving Without a License | Increasing penalties for driving without a license, including possible jail time for repeat offenses. | Senate Bill 702 |
| Disclosing AI in Political Ads | Political ads using AI must clearly state so, non-compliance considered a misdemeanor. | House Bill 919 |
| Medical Debt Collections | Enhances transparency and simplifies disputes in medical billing. | Senate Bill 1122 |
| Free Swimming Lessons | New program offers free swimming lessons to low-income families to reduce child-drowning rates. | House Bill 35 |
| Employment Regulations | Florida’s outdoor workers must rely on their company’s policies for heat protection as local regulations are barred. | House Bill 433 |
| Taking of Bears | Legal pathway cleared for the use of deadly force against bears if they pose a threat to people, pets, or property. Must report use of force within 24 hours. | House Bill 87 |
What This Means for You
Each of these laws affects different segments of the population in unique ways. For instance, the increased fines and felony status for repeated street racing offenses signal a tougher stance on public safety. Meanwhile, the laws affecting educational content and employment regulations reflect broader cultural and economic shifts within the state.
These legislative changes underscore the dynamic nature of lawmaking and its direct impact on everyday life. Floridians are encouraged to stay informed and understand how these laws could affect their rights, responsibilities, and overall lifestyle.
As we continue to observe these changes unfold, it will be crucial for the public to engage with and respond to these new regulations, ensuring that their implementation serves the best interest of all Floridians. For those looking for more information or who wish to read the full text of any specific law, the provided links offer a gateway to deeper understanding and active civic engagement.
Conclusion
These highlights are just a few of the nearly 180 new laws catching our attention in Florida, all set to take effect on July 1, 2024. Stay informed and explore more about these legislative updates that might affect you! By staying informed about these changes, Florida citizens can better understand how these new laws will impact their lives and the community as a whole.
If you’ve been in an automobile accident or have a personal injury case in Florida and want to know how the law affects your rights and potential recovery, please contact us for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: This article was written with the assistance of AI language model technology to brainstorm ideas and generate content. The author has edited the content and verified the accuracy of the information provided.
