Tampa, Fla. (WFLA) – 100 new laws will come into effect in Florida on July 1st.
These bills address a wide range of topics, some dealing with heated and debated proposals, such as changes to school start times and state park development.
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Others are linked to the current political situation surrounding immigration and the new federal designation. Part of the bill also seeks to address past water issues and “dangerous dogs.”
Below are some of the most notable laws that will officially become part of state law in just a few days.
“Boater Freedom Act” (SB 1388)
Under the “Boater Freedom Act,” law enforcement agencies will not be able to pull a boat without any cause or suspected violation.
Officers were previously allowed to perform inspections such as personal property searches, but a new system is now in place. The bill requires the FWC and DMV to create safety inspection decals for the “Florida Freedom Boater.” This is issued to sailors after demonstrating that they comply with the safety equipment’s transportation and use requirements.
At a press conference, Gov. Ron Desantis said the changes to the “Boater Freedom Act” were aimed at ease tensions between sailors and law enforcement officials. The governor used an example where walking down the streets means that you cannot stop and search for them without any possible reasons.
“I think it caused unnecessary friction between the boating community and some people in law enforcement, not the way I want to do that in Florida,” DeSantis said.
The bill also prevents local governments from banning the use or sale of gas-powered boats.
“State Park Preservation Act” (HB 209)
The bipartisan law has enacted safeguards to prevent developers from building things like golf courses, hotels and pickle ball courts within Florida’s 175 state parks.
The bill does not ban any kind of development, but lawmakers said in the future, Florida state parks will be preserved exclusively for conservation-based projects that support activities such as hiking, kayaking, camping and birdwatching.
Passing the “State Park Preservation Act” marked a major victory for protesters who opposed a leaked plan based on some of the state’s natural lands last summer.
“This may be one of the most monumental environmental laws Florida has ever passed,” said Rep. Gossett Seidman, who co-hosted the bill. “Our parks are not for sale. They are sacred public spaces filled with natural beauty that must be protected for future generations.”
Prevention prevention for business owners (SB 322)
The bill extends relief and protection against crouching for commercial property owners. This allows the business owner to request that the county sheriff immediately remove any fraudulent person from his property, as long as he can confirm the ownership.
“Under current law, remedies to remove fraudulent applicants or residents of commercial property may unfortunately be time consuming and time consuming.
This process mimics the protections the governor signed into law during the 2024 legislative meeting to remove unauthorized people from housing property. SB 322 also introduces certain penalties for squatters and fraudulent property lists.
“American Bay” (HB 549)
HB 549 requires state agencies to update geographical material reflecting the federal designation of the “Gulf of America” in contrast to the “Gulf of Mexico.”
Similarly, from July 1, 2025, public schools and charter schools will simply use the term “American Bay” to obtain educational and library materials.
In January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing the Secretary of State to change the name of the Gulf Coast. Florida was the first state to recognize change.
Abandonment of Florida’s “immigrant ship” (SB 830)
SB 830 allows federal disaster funds and state funds to be used to remove “immigrant ships.” The Act defined these vessels as “designed, intended or used for the purposes of undocumented immigrant transport,” and was created using makeshift materials.
The law also prohibits such vessels from being abandoned in Florida waters and creates a process for their removal. If it is not gone within five days, law enforcement reserves the right to remove and dispose of the vessel.
Dangerous and excessive speeding (HB 351)
The bill aims to crack down on “dangerous and excessive speeding” in the state by creating strict penalties for drivers who go over 50 miles beyond the speed limit. The law also applies to people driving more than 100 mph.
Those doing so could spend 30 days in prison and pay a fine of up to $500. Repeated offenders could face fines of up to $1,000 for up to 90 days in prison.
Driver’s License Education Requirements (SB 994)
The law adds additional requirements as Florida teens are about to get out behind the wheel. Teens ages 15 to 17 must pass driver education courses approved by the highway Safey and motor vehicle departments before obtaining a learner’s license.
According to DMV, students can take courses online or in person as part of a high school programme spanning semesters of 9th to 12th grade.
Applicants must complete approved traffic law and substance abuse education courses before applicants age 18 or older can obtain a driver’s license.
Elimination of educators accused of crime (SB 1374)
Under SB 1374, the district school board must adopt a policy that requires leaders accused of a particular crime to be temporarily removed from the classroom within 24 hours of notification of arrest.
Crimes falling under the new law are crimes listed in Level 2 background screening standards and include a wide range of sexual, violent and drug offences, including drug trafficking and child abuse.
The bill also expands law enforcement notification requirements to require educators to self-report within 48 hours of arrest to include misdemeanor offences in Level 2 background screenings.
School start time (SB 296)
The school district would soon face a summer 2026 deadline. Although classes were able to follow the law, which started late in the morning, SB 296 would revert it and leave it to local officials to decide when schools will begin.
Previous law passed by lawmakers in 2023 required middle school classes to start high schools after 8am and after 8:30am to get sleep, but many school boards have expressed concern about how those changes will affect business and after-school activities.
Districts can avoid implementing these start times as long as they later submit a report to the Florida Department of Education containing information about the impact and unintended outcomes of the starting class.
These reports must be submitted by June 1, 2026.
“Pamlock Act” (HB 593)
HB 593, also known as the “Pamlock Act,” seeks to hold pet owners accountable for “dangerous dogs.” It was named in honor of the mailman who was attacked and killed by a pack of dogs in 2022.
The law requires animals being investigated as “dangerous dogs” to be confiscated and trapped. If animal control decides to classify a dog as “dangerous”, the owner must be notified, obtain at least $100,000 in liability insurance and microchip to the dog.
The bill also raises penalties for owners of “dangerous dogs” if a pet attacks someone. An attack that results in serious injury or death could land on the owner on a two-fold felony.
HB 593 calls for animal control to euthanize dogs who have killed or seriously injured or surrendered to authorities.
Historic Building Protection (SB 582)
The new law enacts further protections of Florida’s historic buildings and structures. This allows the Code Executive Committee or private judge to impose fines more than the restrictions specified in the law for the destruction of the structures listed in the National Historical Register.
According to the text of the bill, there must be substantial evidence that the destruction is “knowingly and intentionally” and not a result of a natural disaster, and is not permitted or permitted. Fines are limited to less than 20% of the fair market value of the property.
School Epipen and Emergency Plans (SB 1514)
SB 1514 requires staff at primary and secondary schools in Florida to train students who have a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction to use epipen and how to administer epinephrine.
The bill was defended by an Orange County mother whose 8-year-old son is severely allergic to dairy products, peas, chickpeas and lentils. Sherry Isler told NBC affiliate Wesh that he tried to sign up for his son in a pre-school program but was rejected in an emergency as staff members couldn’t control his Epipen.
“Food allergies are on the rise,” Ayler said. “There are an average of two kids in every classroom with food allergies so you don’t run away.”
The state board of education must consult with the Department of Health to identify the staff approved training curriculum by October 1, 2025.
Click here to see the full list of 99 new laws that will take effect on July 1st.
