Florida introduces at least 10 new laws for 2025 on New Year’s Eve

Florida: New laws are introduced every year, and a number of them will go into effect in Florida on January 1, 2025.

The Sunshine State will see the introduction of at least ten new laws at the beginning of the year, including ones that would safeguard first responders while they are on duty, limit children’s access to social media, and change how dental insurance claims are handled.

Limitations on Minors’ Use of Social Media (HB 3)

Children under the age of 14 are not allowed to create or use social media accounts according to this rule.

With parental permission, minors between the ages of 14 and 15 may still utilize social media accounts. The goal of the law is to shield minors from damaging internet information, especially threats to their mental health.

Adult Website Age Verification (HB 3)

Apart from social media limitations, HB 3 mandates that websites that provide information deemed detrimental to children must have age verification procedures in place to stop minors from accessing them beginning in 2025.

Instead of complying with the new state legislation, Pornhub, the biggest pornographic website in the world, has threatened to limit access to the site to citizens of Florida.

First Responder Protections (SB 184)

After receiving a warning, this rule makes it illegal to harass, threaten, or intimidate first responders while they are carrying out their official responsibilities.

People are not allowed to come within 25 feet of a first responder carrying out their duty after being warned.

Applications for Voter Registration (HB 135)

Voters may now agree in writing to a change in their party affiliation thanks to this legislation.

According to Florida Politics, the regulation fixes a bug that let the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles alter voters’ affiliations during driver’s license renewals without their knowledge.

Regulations for Buildings (HB 267)

The Florida Construction Commission is required to amend the state’s construction code with reference to replacement garage doors, windows, and doors as of January 1. If certain state laws are fulfilled, family dwellings won’t need sealed plans created by a professional designer.

Additionally, most permits for buildings up to 7,500 square feet must be approved or denied by local governments within 30 days, and bigger constructions must be approved or denied within 60 working days, according to the legislation.

Claims for Dental Insurance (SB 892)

In Florida, health insurers are no longer allowed to charge fees for sending money to dentists via automated clearing house (ACH) transactions unless the dentist agrees.

The changes also stop insurance companies from making credit card payments the only way for dentists to be paid. Additionally, claims for operations covered by previous authorizations cannot be rejected by insurers.

Medical Reimbursement for Workers’ Compensation (SB 362)

This statute raises the witness pay from $200 to $300 per hour for medical professionals who offer depositions.

SB 362 would also raise the Medicare maximum compensation for doctors and surgical procedures.

Safeguarding Specific Adults (SB 556)

Through conservatorship, guardianship, or power of attorney, this legislation seeks to stop the financial abuse of vulnerable or elderly persons.

If financial institutions suspect foul play, they may postpone payments or transactions for a maximum of 15 days.

Enhancements to the Private Activity Bond (SB 7054)

This bill amends the private activity bond laws. Every year, the State Board of Administration’s Division of Bond Finance is required to ascertain the state’s volume limits and make the information public. Requirements for notifications of intent to issue private activity bonds are also outlined.

Investigational Confidentiality (HB 1491)

This law, which is a companion to HB 3, prohibits the public from learning about the results of the Department of Legal Affairs’ investigations into specific social media infractions until the investigations are finished or settled. Age verification infractions are included in this.