Florida Times

Citizens Property Insurance Faces New Limits on Commercial Policy Renewals Under Florida Law

Citizens Property Insurance is now restricted from issuing or renewing certain commercial residential policies when comparable coverage is available from surplus lines insurers within a 15 percent price margin.

Florida Tightens Roof Inspection Rules While Limiting Insurance Coverage Restrictions Based on Roof Age

Updated regulations expand who can serve as authorized roof inspectors and prevent insurers from denying coverage solely based on roof age if inspection standards are met.

Florida Restricts AI Use in Insurance Claim Denials Under New Property Oversight Rules

New regulations require that property insurance claim denials be made by qualified human professionals, prohibiting the use of artificial intelligence or machine learning as the sole decision-making tool.

Florida Eases Teacher License Renewal Rules to Address Classroom Staffing Shortages

New legislation simplifies the renewal process for expired teaching licenses, allowing experienced educators to return to classrooms more easily amid ongoing teacher shortages.

Florida Authorizes Gold and Silver Coins as Legal Tender for State Payments Under New Law

A law enacted in the 2025 legislative session now allows certain state entities to accept gold and silver coins for taxes, fees, and other government payments.

Florida Implements Monthly Debt Repayment Plan in New College of Florida USF Campus Transition

As part of the Sarasota-Manatee campus transition, New College of Florida will make monthly payments of about 167,000 dollars to the University of South Florida to cover dormitory-related debts.

Florida Animal Welfare Law Expands Abuse Database and Strengthens Felony Penalties

A new law makes it a third-degree felony to involve minors in severe animal abuse and expands Florida’s public animal abuser database to improve tracking and enforcement.

Florida Expands Infrastructure Investment to Support Population Growth and Regional Logistics Networks

Multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects across Central Florida and broader regions continue advancing, including transport corridors and logistics hubs aimed at supporting long-term population growth.

Florida Nursing Graduates Required to Complete Human Trafficking Awareness Training for Licensing

New regulations require nursing graduates in Florida to complete a mandatory two-hour human trafficking awareness course before they can sit for state licensing examinations.

Florida Expands Veterans Dental Care Eligibility to Households Earning Up to 400 Percent of Poverty Level

Florida broadens access to its Veterans Dental Care Grant Program, raising income eligibility to 400 percent of the federal poverty level to increase access to dental services for veterans.

Florida School Districts Required to Report Vacant Properties for Potential Charter School Use

School districts across Florida must now submit annual inventories of unused public land, with requirements to offer eligible vacant property for potential charter school development.

Florida Law Classifies Child Exploitation Computer Offenses as Dangerous Crimes Under Missy’s Law

Missy’s Law reclassifies child exploitation and certain computer-related offenses as dangerous crimes, requiring immediate custody for individuals convicted or pleading no contest until sentencing.

Florida Tightens Rules for Out-of-State Bail Bond Companies with New Financial Reporting Requirements

New legislation requires out-of-state and international bail bond companies operating in Florida to meet the same financial reporting standards as domestic firms to improve transparency and compliance.

Florida Sales Tax Refund Program Introduced for Impact-Resistant Home Improvements

Under new state budget provisions, Florida homeowners can claim sales tax refunds on impact-resistant windows and doors through June 2029 as part of efforts to strengthen storm resilience.

Florida Expands Drowning Prevention Program to Cover Children Aged One to Seven

Florida expands its swimming lesson voucher program to include children aged one to seven, while hospitals are now required to provide water safety education materials to new parents.

New Florida Law Strengthens Domestic Violence Penalties and Introduces Electronic Monitoring Pilot Program

A new law taking effect in Florida increases penalties for repeat domestic violence offenders and introduces a two-year pilot program using electronic monitoring for selected individuals on probation.

Florida Issues Heat Warnings as Central Region Faces Heat Index Up to 110 Degrees

The National Weather Service warns that heat index values across Central Florida are expected to reach between 100 and 110 degrees, with officials urging residents to limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours.

Florida State University Receives Over 180 Million Dollars in State Funding for Engineering and Infrastructure Expansion

Florida’s new state budget allocates more than 180 million dollars to Florida State University to expand the FAMU–FSU College of Engineering and support major capital projects tied to workforce and research development.

New College of Florida Absorbs University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Campus in Major Higher Education Restructure

Florida’s higher education system undergoes a significant shift as the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus transfers its assets and liabilities to New College of Florida under newly enacted state legislation.

Palm Beach International Airport Renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport Under New State Legislation

Palm Beach International Airport has been officially renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport as part of new Florida laws taking effect today, reflecting recent legislative changes to naming and designation policies.

Over 140 New Laws Take Effect Across Florida Covering Security, Education, and Public Policy Changes

A broad package of legislation comes into force across Florida, introducing new rules on foreign influence protections, criminal justice penalties, school athletics, and curriculum requirements affecting residents statewide.

Florida Enacts 117.6 Billion Dollar Budget and Wide-Ranging Legislative Overhaul as New Laws Take Effect Statewide

Florida begins its 2026–2027 fiscal year with a record 117.6 billion dollar budget signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside roughly 140 new laws taking effect across education, public safety, infrastructure, and state governance.

Florida Expands Public Animal Abuser Database and Toughens Penalties for Animal Cruelty

Florida has expanded its public animal abuser database, increasing the length of offender tracking and raising penalties for animal fighting. The law also introduces felony charges for adults who involve minors in severe animal abuse cases.

Florida Requires Veterinary Prescription Transparency Under New Consumer Law

Florida now requires veterinarians to provide written prescriptions upon request, allowing pet owners to fill medications at independent pharmacies. The law is designed to increase consumer choice in veterinary care.

Florida Expands Coaching Compensation Rules to Include Booster Club Funding

Florida has updated rules allowing high school coaches to receive supplemental compensation from booster organizations and to contribute up to 15,000 dollars per team for approved expenses such as travel, food and physical therapy. The c...

Florida Tightens Oversight of Out-of-State Bail Bond Companies Operating in the State

Florida has introduced new licensing and reporting rules requiring out-of-state and international bail bond companies to meet the same financial disclosure standards as local firms. The law mandates detailed reporting of earnings, fees a...

Florida Grants Lifetime Disabled Parking Permits for Certain Permanent Conditions

Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will now issue lifetime disabled parking permits to individuals with permanent amputations or dismemberments, removing previous renewal requirements for eligible applicants.

Florida Renames State Road 80 as President Donald J. Trump Highway

Florida has officially renamed State Road 80, which runs 124 miles from Palm Beach County to Lee County, as the President Donald J. Trump Highway under Senate Bill 628. The legislation also adds former Florida State University football c...

Florida Mandates Expanded Heart Screening for High School Student-Athletes

Florida has implemented new health screening requirements for student-athletes, focusing on heart evaluations designed to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac events during school sports participation. The measures apply statewide to high s...

Florida Strengthens Pet Sale Transparency and Consumer Financing Protections

Florida has introduced new rules requiring pet sellers to disclose financing terms and animal medical histories, while also allowing buyers to cancel financing agreements if a pet is later found to be unfit due to illness. The law aims t...

Florida Removes Upfront Payment Cap for Chiropractic Care Under New Law

Florida has eliminated the 1,500 dollar cap on upfront payments for chiropractic services, allowing patients to pay any amount in advance. The change also removes penalties for chiropractors who accept larger prepaid sums.

Florida Allows Temporary Delay of Certain Child Abuse Reports in Medical Edge Cases

Florida has enacted a provision allowing the Department of Children and Families to temporarily delay reporting suspected child abuse in specific cases where medical conditions may mimic abuse symptoms. The law requires continued medical...

Florida Expands Veterans Dental Care Eligibility to Higher Income Thresholds

Florida has expanded eligibility for its Veterans Dental Care Grant Program, allowing veterans earning up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level to apply for assistance. The update is intended to widen access to dental care services...

Florida Opens Statewide Access to Florida Virtual School Enrollment

Florida has updated enrollment rules for Florida Virtual School, removing priority access for specific groups and opening participation to students statewide. The change also simplifies reporting requirements and adjusts how student enro...

Florida Expands Teacher Mentorship Program for Struggling Public Schools

Florida has established a formal teacher mentoring and training framework through Senate Bill 824, targeting underperforming public schools. The program is designed to support educators in high-needs districts and improve retention of ex...

Florida Tightens Bail Rules Under Missy’s Law to Keep Certain Violent Offenders in Custody

Florida’s Missy’s Law, implemented through House Bill 445, requires courts to detain without bond individuals convicted of or pleading no contest to specified violent or sexual offenses. The measure is designed to prevent pretrial releas...

Florida Introduces Ratepayer Protection Rules for Large Data Center Energy Costs

Florida has passed a new law requiring large-scale data center developers to fully cover their own energy and infrastructure costs, preventing those expenses from being passed on to residential or small business utility customers. The po...

Florida Blocks Local Net-Zero Policies and Gas Equipment Bans Under New Environmental Laws

Florida has enacted legislation prohibiting state and local governments from adopting net-zero greenhouse gas policies or carbon taxes, while also restricting cities and counties from banning gas-powered landscaping equipment such as lea...

Florida Expands Violent Crime and Domestic Violence Enforcement With New Monitoring and Bail Restrictions

Florida has implemented a series of new criminal justice measures, including stricter bail rules for certain violent offenders, expanded domestic violence penalties, and a pilot electronic monitoring program under House Bill 277 and Hous...

Florida Renames Palm Beach International Airport as President Donald J. Trump International Airport

Palm Beach International Airport has been officially renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport under Florida House Bill 919, part of a broader set of changes to transportation-related designations across the state. The chan...

Florida Enacts 117.6 Billion Dollar State Budget for 2026-2027 Fiscal Year

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a 117.6 billion dollar state budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, after vetoing roughly 810 million dollars in proposed spending. The budget takes effect July 1 and sets funding priorities for st...

Florida Law Enacts Permanent Sales Tax Exemptions for Families and State Parks

Florida’s new fiscal plan permanently removes sales taxes on diapers, toddler products, and admission tickets to Florida State Parks. Officials say the exemptions are intended to provide ongoing financial relief to families and encourage...

Everglades Wildfire Burns More Than 2,200 Acres in Broward County Wetlands

The Atlantic Fire has burned more than 2,200 acres in western Broward County, sending smoke across parts of South Florida as crews monitor shifting winds and dry conditions. Firefighters continue to manage containment efforts in the affe...

Florida Prepares for Hurricane Season With Emergency Mitigation Grant Program

The Florida Division of Emergency Management is distributing millions of dollars in grants to support flood reduction projects and wind damage retrofits ahead of peak hurricane season. The funding is aimed at strengthening local resilien...

Florida Finalizes Transfer of University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Campus to New College

A provision in Florida’s newly approved state budget authorizes the transfer of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus to New College of Florida. The move is part of a broader expansion plan for New College.