As of January 1, 2025, Florida has implemented nine new laws addressing diverse aspects of public life. From social media safeguards for children to streamlining building regulations, these updates reflect a blend of practicality, protection, and modernization. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable changes and how they may impact you.
Online Protections for Minors (HB 3)
Summary: Social media accounts are now off-limits to children under 14. Teens aged 14 and 15 can only open accounts with parental consent. The law also enforces strict age verification for adult websites.
What It Means for You: Social media platforms must terminate accounts linked to users under 14, offering a 90-day dispute period. While enforcement is on hold pending a court decision, age verification for adult content is active, requiring users to upload ID for access.
First Responder Protections (SB 184)
Summary: Staying within 25 feet of a first responder who requests you to step back is now a misdemeanor.
What It Means for You: Whether it’s law enforcement or an EMT, failure to comply with their request to back away could result in a second-degree misdemeanor and up to 60 days in jail. This law aims to ensure the safety and efficiency of first responders while they perform their duties.
Simplifying Home Improvement Permits (HB 267)
Summary: Homeowners replacing windows, doors, or garage doors no longer need sales drawings, provided replacements meet specific conditions.
What It Means for You: Expect faster permitting processes and fewer hurdles for routine home upgrades, saving both time and money.
Expanded Worker’s Compensation Benefits (SB 362)
Summary: Witness fees for healthcare providers offering depositions in workers’ compensation cases have increased, and Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians have been adjusted upwards.
What It Means for You: Healthcare professionals working within the workers’ compensation system will see higher compensation, potentially encouraging more providers to participate in these cases.
Safeguarding Seniors and Vulnerable Adults (SB 556)
Summary: Financial institutions can now place holds on transactions if they suspect financial exploitation of seniors or vulnerable adults through powers of attorney or guardianship abuses.
What It Means for You: This provides an extra layer of protection for older adults and others who might be targeted by scammers or fraudulent representatives.
Improving Dental Insurance Practices (SB 892)
Summary: Insurers can no longer mandate credit cards as the only payment option for dentists, charge fees for ACH transfers without consent, or deny claims for pre-authorized procedures.
What It Means for You: These changes reduce unnecessary hassles for dentists and ensure patients receive the benefits they’re entitled to.
Modernizing Fiduciary Laws (HB 1093)
Summary: Florida updated its Uniform Fiduciary Income and Principal Act (FUPIA), providing clearer guidelines for managing trusts and estates.
What It Means for You: If you’re involved in a trust, FUPIA offers greater flexibility in how assets are managed. The law also allows older trusts to convert to unitrusts, offering more adaptable estate planning options.
Tackling Florida’s Housing Crisis (SB 7054)
Summary: New provisions increase the number of private activity bonds to fund projects with public benefits, with at least half allocated for affordable housing.
What It Means for You: This law consolidates bond resources, prioritizing housing initiatives to address affordability issues across the state.
Protecting Your Right to Vote (HB 135)
Summary: Voter registration changes now require written consent to prevent accidental or unauthorized alterations.
What It Means for You: Errors like unintentional party affiliation changes during driver’s license renewals, previously reported in counties like Palm Beach, should now be resolved.
Why These Laws Matter
Florida’s new laws demonstrate a proactive approach to current issues, balancing individual protections with broader societal benefits. From enhancing safety for first responders to safeguarding seniors and streamlining regulations, these changes aim to create a better future for all Floridians.
Staying informed ensures you can navigate these updates with ease and confidence in 2025.
