Full list of 34 new Florida laws set to take effect starting October 1st

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Starting today, October 1, 34 new laws took effect across Florida today, including a controversial measure regulating homeless encampments and a host of other changes affecting everything from vehicle registration to flood disclosures for homebuyers, and increased penalties for theft and fraud.

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Here’s a look at some of the key new laws:

HB 341 — SAFE Act

The “Safeguarding American Families Everywhere Act” requires motor vehicle registration forms to include an option for applicants to indicate whether they or their child have a specific disability, including:

• Autism
• ADHD
• Down syndrome
• Alzheimer’s
• Traumatic brain injury
• PTSD
• Diabetes
• Autoimmune disorders
• Deafness or blindness

Those who opt to disclose will have “SAFE” applied to their vehicle record, which can be updated for removal.

HB 403 — New License Plates

New specialty license plates for Florida drivers include:

• Margaritaville (inspired by the late Jimmy Buffett)
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium
• The Villages
• Recycle Florida
• Universal Orlando

The plates are available for an annual fee of $25.

HB 479 — Alternative Mobility

Defines “mobility fee” and “mobility plan” under the Community Planning Act.

HB 509 — Collier Mosquito Control District

Expand the boundaries of the Collier Mosquito Control District to cover a larger service area.

HB 549 — Theft Crimes

Toughens penalties for retail theft, porch piracy, and smash-and-grab incidents, which can now result in felony charges.

HB 801 — Alzheimer’s Training for Law Enforcement

Requires the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to create online training for law enforcement on interacting with people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, with guidance on:

• Recognizing symptoms
• Effective communication
• Avoiding physical restraints
• Identifying signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation

HB 819 — Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District

Expands the boundaries of this district in Lee and Hendry counties, which oversees public infrastructure.

HB 1007 — Nicotine Dispensing Devices

Allows the state Attorney General to create a directory of nicotine dispensers “attractive to minors.” Businesses selling such devices must remove them within 60 days or face fines of $1,000 per day.

HB 1025 — Municipal Service District of Ponte Vedra Beach

Imposes a lifetime 12-year term limit for Trustees of the district and raises the threshold for capital projects requiring voter approval.

HB 1049 — Flood Disclosure in the Sale of Real Property

Requires residential property sellers to disclose flood risks to buyers before a contract is signed. The disclosure must include:

• A “FLOOD DISCLOSURE” title for the form
• A flood insurance policy disclaimer, stating “Flood Insurance: Homeowners’ insurance policies do not include coverage for damage resulting from floods. Buyer is encouraged to discuss the need to purchase separate flood insurance coverage with Buyer’s insurance agent.”
• Statements on any flood damage claims or federal assistance received

HB 1171 — Schemes to Defraud

Amends state rules related to fraud offenses. Increases penalties for fraud against people over 65, minors, and those with disabilities, upgrading offenses to more serious felonies. The law also allows victims whose image is used in fraud schemes to recover damages.

HB 1235 — Sexual Predators and Offenders

Amends the Sexual Predators Act, requiring predators and offenders to report any moves out of state or international travel in advance. Offenders who fail to respond to address verifications can face third-degree felony charges.

HB 1365 — Public Camping and Sleeping

Bans counties from allowing people to camp or sleep on public property unless a designated area is set aside for this purpose, with established standards for safety, sanitation, and services. Emergency declarations are exempt. Another provision, effective Jan. 1, 2025, will allow residents and business owners to file civil lawsuits against local governments that permit sleeping or camping on public property.

HB 1389 — Digital Voyeurism

Strengthens penalties for those involved in “digital voyeurism,” particularly when the offender is over 19 years old and has a “position of authority” over the victim.

HB 1415 — Peer Support for First Responders

Extends confidentiality protections for communications between first responders and their peers to correctional officers and correctional probation officers. This law also extends confidentiality benefits to correctional officers and correctional probation officers, similar to other first responders.

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