TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As Floridians prepare to welcome 2024, a raft of new Florida laws and amendments to existing ones are set to come into effect.
These changes, encompassing a wide range of public policy areas, are poised to significantly impact life in the Sunshine State. Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the key legislations:
SB 774: Stringent Ethics Requirements for Public Officials
Arguably the most contentious law coming into force is SB 774, which mandates enhanced financial disclosure for city officials. Starting January 1st, city commissioners, mayors, and others must complete “Form 6,” detailing their income sources, liabilities, assets over $1,000, net worth, and federal tax returns. The requirement, aligning with disclosures mandated for other state politicians, has led to several resignations across cities like St. Pete Beach, Naples, and Palm Beach, with officials decrying the law as overly invasive. State Representative Spencer Roach, instrumental in the bill’s passage, asserts that such transparency is essential in Florida politics.
HB 1627: Reforming Pretrial Release and Detention
This comprehensive legislation revises pretrial release protocols based on an accused individual’s criminal history and status. It prohibits pretrial release before a first appearance hearing for those arrested for serious felonies and other specified offenses. Additionally, the law mandates the Florida Supreme Court to establish a statewide bond schedule, limiting lower courts from setting lesser amounts.
HB 425: Expansion of the ‘Move Over’ Law
Drivers in Florida must now also move over or slow down for disabled vehicles displaying hazard lights. This expansion of the ‘Move Over’ law aligns with existing requirements for emergency vehicles, further enhancing road safety.
HB 121: Expansion of Florida Kidcare Program
Effective since June but with full implementation required by 2024, this law extends federal aid eligibility for children’s medical costs to families with incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level, a significant increase from the previous 200% cap.
HB 109 and HB 1275: Enhancements in State Park Access and Disability Registry
HB 109 grants Florida residents a one-month priority window for booking campsites in state parks over non-residents. HB 1275 aims to foster safer interactions between law enforcement and individuals with disabilities by establishing a statewide “Persons with Disabilities” registry, accompanied by public records exemptions to protect enrollees’ privacy.
SB 144: Provision of Lactation Spaces
From January 1, all county courthouses in Florida must provide dedicated lactation spaces, not located in restrooms, for breastfeeding mothers. These spaces are required to be private, hygienic, and free from intrusion.
HB 7061: Shift in Child Protective Investigations
By the end of the year, sheriffs conducting child protective investigations in certain counties must transfer these responsibilities back to the Department of Children and Families, centralizing the process.
These legislative changes mark a significant shift in various sectors of public policy in Florida, from ethics in governance to road safety and social welfare. They reflect the state’s ongoing efforts to address evolving societal needs and enhance the governance framework. Floridians, as well as those interacting with the state’s legal and administrative systems, should acquaint themselves with these new requirements to ensure compliance and take advantage of the provisions designed for public benefit.
