With most people just settling in after the holidays and schools just returning for the new year last week, many residents were too busy to understand some of the new laws that went into effect earlier this year.
Five new Florida laws just went into effect, ranging from animal welfare changes to health care to housing.
While many measures approved during the 2025 Congress are already in effect, several notable provisions will take effect on January 1, 2026 and are worth noting.
The changes include new protections for animals and pet owners. The state has developed a public registry of individuals convicted of serious animal cruelty under a law known as Dexter’s Law. Dexter’s Law is named after the dog whose killing brought new attention to cruelty cases (HB 255).
Additionally, for the first time, Florida is formally regulating pet insurance, bringing it under clearer oversight, increasing consumer protections, limiting waiting periods, and preventing companies from selling routine “wellness” plans as complete insurance coverage (HB 655).
Other laws address health care costs and condominium governance.
Floridians with state insurance would no longer have to pay out-of-pocket for medically necessary breast cancer diagnostic tests, especially for those at high risk (SB 158).
Condominium associations are also subject to new transparency requirements aimed at increasing accountability as owners face increased costs related to safety reforms (HB 913).
Finally, health care providers must repay patients’ overpayments within 30 days or risk financial penalties and professional discipline (SB 1808). These changes reflect broader efforts by lawmakers to strengthen consumer protection, transparency, and accountability across multiple areas.
The reason some Florida laws go into effect in July is because that’s when the fiscal year begins.
Other laws that take effect later in October and January do so to give the public and businesses time to adjust before going into effect.
*This article was contributed to by Liberty Partners
