More than 100 new laws went into effect July 1. Some change the rules for certain government procedures and others amend penalties for violating current laws.
Some establish new prohibited acts and another creates an alert system for children with autism who are in peril.
Two laws create new protections for dogs and new penalties for animal cruelty.
Here are some highlights:
Dispute resolutions
Senate Bill 538 changes how certain functions of the state courts operate, with one change of particular importance to attorneys who specialize in alternative dispute resolution.
The new law:
Lawsuits limited
House Bill 1559 enhances the state’s Vexatious Litigant Law, which exists to limit meritless lawsuits to avoid abuses of the court system.
The new law expands the definition of a “vexatious litigant” to include any party who represents himself/herself and:
Bonuses OK
If you are looking for a job with a state agency, House Bill 307 allows county property appraisers to pay hiring or retention bonuses to employees if the bonus is approved by the state in the property appraiser’s budget.
Animal abuse
Senate Bill 150 and Florida House Bill 255, known as “Trooper’s Law” and “Dexter’s Law,” respectively, increase penalties for animal abuse.
Trooper’s Law was inspired by the dog that was left chained up in the path of Hurricane Milton and rescued by the Florida Highway Patrol. It makes it a felony to restrain and abandon a dog during a declared disaster or evacuation, punishable by up to five years in prison and $10,000 fine.
The law also includes penalties for failing to provide confined animals with sufficient food, water and exercise, and for abandoning an animal, as misdemeanors of the first degree, with similar fines.
Dexter’s Law was named after a shelter dog that was brutally killed in Pinellas County days after being adopted.
The new law increases possible penalties for aggravated animal cruelty, previously up to five years incarceration and a $10,000 fine, including a 1.25 sentencing multiplier.
Missing children
House Bill 711 establishes the “Spectrum Alert” — a statewide alert system to help find missing children with autism.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has until July 1, 2026, to establish and implement the system.
Speeding
If you like to go fast while driving, House Bill 351 established a new crime under Florida law: “dangerous excessive speeding.”
That includes when drivers go at least 50 mph over the posted speed limit or drive at 100 mph or more in a way that threatens people or property.
First-time violators can receive up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. Subsequent offenses can yield up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Multiple offenders could lose their license for up to one year.
‘Swatting’ a felony
House Bill 279 prohibits people from making false reports to 911, also known as “swatting.”
If the 911 response to a false call ends with injury or death, the caller can face felony charges.
In addition, someone convicted of misusing 911 or giving false information to law enforcement will be required to pay the costs of prosecution, investigation and restitution to any victims.