In total there were more than thirty new laws that went into effect on October 1st, 2024 in the state of Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis approved a handful of laws that went into effect back in July of 2024, but there were many more that went into effect at the beginning of this month. Below, our criminal lawyer will review a few of the more notable laws that went into effect this month in greater detail, but we will also provide a full list at the end of the article for opportunity to read more.
Florida Criminal Lawyer Explains a Few Notable New Laws
HB 1365: Unauthorized Camping or Sleeping in Public
In general, this law bans homeless people from sleeping or camping in public areas without certification of designated public property by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). To issue a certificate authorizing homeless people to sleep or camp in a given area, the county must specify exactly which area will be used, inspect said area, set a time period, enforce certain standards & procedures, and issue notice to surrounding people/businesses. Emergency situations are an exception to this new rule. The goal of this bill is to make it easier to provide services to the homeless if they’re all in one place.
HB 0341: Designation of a Diagnosis on Motor Vehicle Registrations
This allows a vehicle registration applicant, or parent/guardian of one, to disclose an existing disability or condition on their motor vehicle record. The disability or condition must be diagnosed by a licensed physician and can be included or removed from the motor vehicle registration record at any time. The intention is to give first responders notice that they’ll be interacting with someone who has a disability or condition that may require a specific type of communication or care. Some of the conditions noted in the bill are autism, ADHD, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, deafness, blindness, etc.
HB 0549: Retail Theft
As a Florida criminal lawyer, we studied this new law closely. This law increases penalties for retail theft. It is now a third-degree felony in the state of Florida to commit retail theft with more than five people. One can also be charged with a second-degree felony if they commit retail theft with five or more people and use social media to persuade others to participate. Under this new law, there are also time period restrictions where one can be charged with a felony for retail theft if they commit multiple thefts in a 120-day period. This is a significant jump from the previous time period restriction of 30 days. The hope is to go a step further in keeping residents and businesses safe according to DeSantis.
SB 0718: Exposures of First Responders to Fentanyl
With this new bill, an adult can be charged with a second-degree felony if they unlawfully possess specified controlled substances and recklessly expose a first responder to such substances causing overdose or other bodily injury. Obviously, the goal is to better protect first responders when responded to calls where substances are being used/exposed.
HB1049: Flood Disclosures
Since we live in a state that is often exposed to severe weather and flooding, the governor felt it is important to disclose this information when purchasing a residential property. Now, at or before a contract is executed to purchase said property, the seller must disclose whether or not an insurance claim related to flood damage has ever been filed. It also must be disclosed if the property has ever received federal assistance for flood damage. This would provide the necessary information to the buyer as to whether they need to purchase flood insurance.
A Criminal Lawyer That Takes Cases
In general, these new laws are intended to better the sunshine state by making it a safer place for visitors and residents alike. If you have questions about the new laws or need legal help with a criminal charge, contact our Florida criminal lawyer anytime at 904-355-6777.
Criminal Lawyer Lists All Laws That Went Into Effect on October 1st, 2024 in Florida
SB 86: Hope Cards for Persons Issued Orders of Protection
SB 92: Yacht and Ship Brokers’ Act
HB 341: Designation of a Diagnosis on Motor Vehicle Registrations
HB 403: Specialty License Plates
HB 479: Alternative Mobility Funding Systems and Impact Fees
SB 532: Securities
HB 549: Theft
SB 718: Exposures of First Responders to Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogs
SB 758: Tracking Devices and Applications
SB 764: Retention of Sexual Offense Evidence
HB 801: Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Training for Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers
SB 808: Treatment by a Medical Specialist
SB 902: Motor Vehicle Retail Financial Agreements
HB 1007: Nicotine Dispensing Devices
SB 1036: Reclassification of Criminal Penalties
HB 1049: Flood Disclosure in the Sale of Real Property
HB 1171: Schemes to Defraud
HB 1235: Sexual Predators and Sexual Offenders
HB 1365: Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping
HB 1389: Digital Voyeurism
HB 1415: Peer Support for First Responders
HB 1545: Child Exploitation Offenses
SB 1628: Local Government Actions
HB 7001: OGSR/Reporter of Child Abuse, Abandonment, or Neglect
HB 7003: OGSR/Preregistered Voters
HB 7005: OGSR/Financial Disclosure
SB 7006: OGSR/Utility Owned or Operated by a Unit of Local Government
HB 7007: OGSR/Campus Emergency Response
SB 7008: OGSR/Department of the Lottery
HB 7009: OGSR/Mental Health Treatment and Services
HB 7043: OGSR/Agency Personnel Information