While the majority of the bills approved by the Florida Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis this year went into effect July 1, several new laws are in force as of Oct. 1.
The new laws prioritize consumer protection, criminal justice reform and public safety.
• HB 1049 provides penalties for tampering with, harassing or retaliating against judges and prosecutors and provides misdemeanor- and felony-level criminal penalties for people who knowingly and willfully threaten or harass court other personnel or retaliate against court officials for their participation in official investigations or proceedings.
• Utility workers also have more protection as of Oct. 1 with SB 1386 raising penalties for assault or battery against them, recognizing their essential jobs and the risks they face when at work.
• HB 253 establishes new felony and misdemeanor offenses related to illegal police impersonation, obscuring a license plate and possessing devices to avoid being recorded by traffic cameras.
• SB 1168 criminalizes placing tracking devices on another person’s property for criminal purposes.
• HB 757 makes it a third-degree felony to willfully and knowingly create, solicit or possess AI-generated pornographic images or videos of someone without their consent. The law allows someone to sue if a pornographic image of them is made or shared without their consent, which could result in damages of at least $10,000.
• People who engage in dangerous behavior will face more severe punishment with HB 687 enhancing penalties for repeat offenses involving DUI manslaughter, boating under the influence manslaughter and vehicular homicide.
• SB 168, known as the “Tristin Murphy Act,” changes how mentally ill people are treated in the criminal-justice system. The law is named after a 37-year-old schizophrenic who committed suicide after being sent to prison on a littering charge.
• SB 948 requires landlords to disclose flood risks and prior flood damage to prospective tenants. If the landlord doesn’t do so and “substantial” damage occurs, under the law, the tenant can terminate the lease within 30 days and receive a refund for any rent paid in advance.
• HB 1121 increases penalties for unauthorized drone use, especially when equipped with weapons or flown over sensitive infrastructure.
The law allows law enforcement agencies to use drones for public safety of crowds of 50 people or more and to provide security for elected officials.