Over 100 new Florida laws take effect July 1 — Here are some highlights

On July 1, Florida will implement more than 100 new laws covering topics from education and public safety to animal rights and environmental protections.

Education and Student Health

• SB 1514: EpiPens and Emergency Plans in Schools
  Public schools (K-8) must have emergency action plans and staff trained to handle severe allergic reactions at all times, including during extracurricular activities and contracted programs.

• SB 1070: Heart Screenings for Student Athletes ("Second Chance Act")
  Students must provide medical evaluations and electrocardiograms before participating in school sports, with religious and medical exceptions allowed.

• HB 597: Diabetes Management in Schools
  Students with diabetes can carry and manage their supplies during school and related activities. Schools may also keep glucagon on hand for emergencies.

Animal Protection

• HB 593: Dangerous Dogs ("Pam Rock Act")
  Owners of dangerous dogs must microchip pets, secure them, and carry $100,000 liability insurance. Authorities can take dangerous dogs for investigation and may humanely euthanize if necessary.

• HB 255: Aggravated Animal Cruelty ("Dexter's Law")
  Names of convicted animal abusers will be published online. Penalties for severe cruelty are increased.

Public Safety and Transportation

• HB 351: Dangerous Excessive Speeding
  Going 50+ mph over the speed limit can lead to jail time (up to 30 days) and fines. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties.

• SB 1388: "Boater Freedom Act"
  Law enforcement cannot stop boats without probable cause. Gas-powered boat usage and sales cannot be banned by local governments.

• SB 994: Driver Education Requirements
  Florida teens aged 15-17 must complete a Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course before getting a learner’s permit, starting August 1.

Community and Environmental

• HB 913: Condo Association Law Changes
  Deadlines for structural inspections extended, reserve fund requirements paused temporarily, and loans allowed for reserve funding with owner approval.

• HB 209: State Parks Preservation Act
  Protects state parks from developments like golf courses and hotels; parks will focus on conservation and outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching.

• HB 549: Gulf of America Designation
  All state educational materials must rename the “Gulf of Mexico” as the “Gulf of America,” reflecting a federal executive order.

• SB 700: Florida Farm Bill
  Florida bans fluoride addition in public water systems, becoming the second state to do so after Utah.

Other Notable Laws

• HB 279: False Reporting ("Swatting")
  Increased penalties for making fake emergency calls, including felony charges if such calls cause injury or death.

• HB 259: Fentanyl Awareness Day
  August 21 is designated as a day for education and awareness on the dangers of fentanyl.