New Florida laws go into effect October 1

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September 30, 2024

More than 30 Florida laws will take effect on October 1.

While several of the measures signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis during the past legislative session went into force in July, dozens more will go into effect on October 1. Notable bills are listed here, with the complete list at the bottom.

No sleeping in public (HB 1365).The most contentious law of the group practically prohibits homeless individuals from sleeping in public. The measure also promises increased resources for the homeless, but some remain doubtful.

When shelters become full, counties will be allowed to designate certain locations for camping, but only with the Department of Children and Families’ approval and for a one-year term.

Supporters of the measure argue that having all of the homeless in one location will make it simpler to deliver assistance to them, but others argue that the bill does nothing more than gather the homeless and shift them out of public view.

“This bill does not and will not address the more pressing and root causes of homelessness,” Democratic state Sen. Shevrin Jones stated during a debate this year. “We are literally reshuffling the visibility of unhoused individuals with no exit strategy for people who are experiencing homelessness.”

DeSantis, on the other hand, stated that the new law takes a unique approach in vowing to provide services that homeless people frequently require.

“This is going to require that the services are there to help people get back on their feet,” the state’s governor stated. “I think it’s important that we maintain the quality of life for the citizens of Florida.”

The prohibition does not apply to those sleeping in legally parked vehicles.

The law can take effect since the United States Supreme Court determined in June that governments can impose public sleeping restrictions.

The designation of a diagnosis on motor vehicle registrations (HB 341)This law allows a vehicle registration applicant, or a parent or guardian of a minor, to voluntarily reveal a handicap or condition identified by a licensed physician on their motor vehicle record.

The department of motor vehicles record must state “SAFE” (Safeguarding American Families Everywhere) and may not include personal identifying information or information about the exact illness.

The law gives law enforcement and first responders advance notice that the individual they’re about to engage with has a disability or condition, with the goal of eliminating “unnecessary adverse actions,” increasing communication, and providing the person-specific care that’s required.

“Interacting with law enforcement officers or first responders in an emergency, such as a motor vehicle crash or other crisis situation, can be more complex for persons with special needs, as language, physical, cognitive, learning, or mental disabilities may create barriers to receiving immediate and appropriate assistance,” according to the bill.

Autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, Alzheimer’s, PTSD, a traumatic brain injury, diabetes, deafness, blindness, or another “mentally or physically limiting disorder,” according to the bill’s language.

Applicants can add or delete the designation from their record at any time.

Increased penalties for retail theft (HB 549).HB 549 toughens penalties for store theft and porch pirates. Committing retail theft with more than five people is classified as a third-degree felony by law. It also makes it a second-degree felony to commit retail theft with five or more people while using social media to encourage others to join in.

The statute also allows a person to be punished with a felony for retail theft if they commit multiple crimes within a 120-day period, up from 30 days.

“Florida is taking another step to distinguish ourselves from lawless jurisdictions and keep our residents and businesses safe,” DeSantis said in a statement after signing the measure in April. “If you steal in Florida, we will catch you and we will prosecute you.”

Porch pirate penalties will also increase under HB 549.

SB 718 exposes first responders to fentanyl.This statute imposes sanctions on people who “recklessly” expose first responders to fentanyl, resulting in an overdose or other damage.

Anyone over the age of 18 who causes an overdose or injury to a first responder as a result of fentanyl exposure shall be charged with a second-degree crime.

Flood Disclosures (HB 1049)This law requires the seller of a property to complete and provide a flood disclosure to the buyer at or before the contract is signed.

The disclosure will state whether or not the seller has made an insurance claim for flood damage on that property or has obtained federal aid for flood damage. It also encourages the buyer to consider purchasing flood insurance.

Increased penalties for deceiving specific groups (HB 1171).This law strengthens the penalty for anyone who commits a “scheme to defraud” a person if the victim is over the age of 65, a minor, or has a mental or physical impairment.

The legislation also allows a person to launch a civil action if their name, picture, or likeness is utilized in a scheme to defraud without their permission.

All 31 laws going into effect Oct. 1

  1. SB 86: Hope Cards for Persons Issued Orders of Protection

  2. SB 92: Yacht and Ship Brokers’ Act

  3. HB 341: Designation of a Diagnosis on Motor Vehicle Registrations

  4. HB 403: Specialty License Plates

  5. HB 479: Alternative Mobility Funding Systems and Impact Fees

  6. SB 532: Securities

  7. HB 549: Theft

  8. SB 718: Exposures of First Responders to Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogs

  9. SB 758: Tracking Devices and Applications

  10. SB 764: Retention of Sexual Offense Evidence

  11. HB 801: Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Training for Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers

  12. SB 808: Treatment by a Medical Specialist

  13. SB 902: Motor Vehicle Retail Financial Agreements

  14. HB 1007: Nicotine Dispensing Devices

  15. SB 1036: Reclassification of Criminal Penalties

  16. HB 1049: Flood Disclosure in the Sale of Real Property

  17. HB 1171: Schemes to Defraud

  18. HB 1235: Sexual Predators and Sexual Offenders

  19. HB 1365: Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping

  20. HB 1389: Digital Voyeurism

  21. HB 1415: Peer Support for First Responders

  22. HB 1545: Child Exploitation Offenses

  23. SB 1628: Local Government Actions

  24. HB 7001: OGSR/Reporter of Child Abuse, Abandonment, or Neglect

  25. HB 7003: OGSR/Preregistered Voters

  26. HB 7005: OGSR/Financial Disclosure

  27. SB 7006: OGSR/Utility Owned or Operated by a Unit of Local Government

  28. HB 7007: OGSR/Campus Emergency Response

  29. SB 7008: OGSR/Department of the Lottery

  30. HB 7009: OGSR/Mental Health Treatment and Services

  31. HB 7043: OGSR/Agency Personnel Information

This article originally appeared on WFLA