TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As the calendar flips to 2025, Floridians are waking up to a slate of 12 new laws that officially take effect on January 1. These changes, passed during last year’s legislative session and championed by lawmakers and Governor Ron DeSantis, touch on everything from social media rules for kids to updated building regulations and protections for vulnerable adults.
Here’s a closer look at what these laws mean for Florida residents:
1. HB 3 — Social Media Restrictions for Children
Florida is taking a bold stance on children’s online safety. Under HB 3, kids under 14 are banned from having social media accounts. Teens aged 14 and 15 may open accounts, but only with parental consent.
The law targets platforms that lure young users with addictive features like infinite scrolling and push notifications. With this legislation, Florida hopes to address concerns about the mental health effects of social media on minors.
2. HB 135 — Protecting Voter Integrity
Florida’s voter registration process gets a security boost. HB 135 prevents accidental changes to party affiliation by requiring written consent for any modifications.
This change follows reports of a software glitch that altered voter affiliations during driver’s license renewals. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is now tasked with ensuring its systems uphold these safeguards.
3. HB 267 — Simplifying Building Permits
Floridians dealing with local government red tape on building permits may find relief in HB 267. The law sets time limits for permit decisions, allowing faster approvals or denials.
Other highlights include:
- Streamlined auditing standards for private providers.
- New licensure pathways for residential building inspectors.
- Waived requirements for sealed drawings when replacing windows, doors, or garage doors, as long as state standards are met.
4. HB 1093 — Modernizing Trust and Estate Laws
The Florida Uniform Fiduciary Income and Principal Act (FUFIPA) replaces outdated rules governing trusts. This modern framework allows for innovative estate planning and simplifies the management of trust allocations.
The law also enables existing trusts to convert to unitrusts, embracing a more personalized approach to financial management.
5. HB 1491 — Public Records Protection
Linked to investigations by the Department of Legal Affairs, HB 1491 exempts sensitive information, like personal data and security reports, from public records. These exemptions ensure that investigations remain secure, with a sunset clause in 2029 unless renewed.
6. HB 7017 & 7019 — Property Tax Relief (Amendment 5)
Florida voters approved Amendment 5, and now it’s law. The changes lower annual property tax increases for homeowners with homestead exemptions, providing much-needed relief.
7. SB 184 — Protecting First Responders
Threatening or obstructing first responders is now a first-degree misdemeanor under SB 184. The law ensures that those who disrupt emergency services or threaten harm to first responders face serious consequences.
8. SB 362 — Enhanced Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Medical professionals treating workers’ compensation cases will see increased reimbursements for procedures and expert witness fees. This change ensures better care for injured workers while supporting medical providers.
9. SB 556 — Financial Exploitation Protections
SB 556 safeguards Floridians aged 65 and older and vulnerable adults from financial scams. It allows banks to delay suspicious transactions if exploitation is suspected, giving time for investigations to protect potential victims.
10. SB 892 — Reforming Dental Insurance Practices
Florida dentists and patients win with SB 892, which prohibits insurers from restricting payment methods or denying preauthorized claims. The law aims to make dental care more accessible and straightforward.
11. SB 7054 — Streamlining Private Activity Bonds
This law revamps how private activity bonds are allocated, ensuring funds are used effectively for public-benefit projects like affordable housing and infrastructure improvements.
What’s Next?
As these laws take effect, they promise to impact daily life across the Sunshine State. From safeguarding children online to bolstering protections for seniors, 2025 marks a year of change for Florida residents.
Stay tuned for updates as Floridians adapt to these new rules.
