New Florida laws taking effect October 1

On Wednesday, October 1, Florida residents will see nearly 30 new laws take effect that will change existing legislation in various areas: from business and housing taxes to animal welfare, mental health, and drone use. Below is an explanation of the most relevant laws.

End of commercial rental tax

One of the most significant changes is the elimination of Florida’s commercial rental tax, which has been in effect for decades. First enacted in 1968, it added state sales tax to commercial leases, making Florida unique among the states.

As of October 1, the tax will disappear, a measure that is expected to save businesses nearly $1.15 billion this fiscal year and more than $1.5 billion next year. Supporters say the repeal will free up money for businesses to reinvest in employees, equipment, and expansion, while critics fear the state will lose billions in revenue generated by the measure.

Criminal justice and mental health reforms

Another important measure is the Tristin Murphy Act (SB 168), named after a man with schizophrenia who died by suicide in prison in 2021. The law creates a process for referring inmates with mental illness to treatment rather than incarceration. It includes training for 911 operators and emergency medical personnel, support for veterans’ treatment courts, grants for diversion programs, and an expansion of the Forensic Hospital Diversion Pilot Program. Supporters of the law say it marks an important shift toward recognizing mental health as a public health issue, not just a criminal problem.

Other criminal justice changes

• HB 113: Increases penalties for fleeing or attempting to evade law enforcement, and removes the requirement for officers’ vehicles to display markings during certain pursuits.
• HB 437: Expands penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices, with special provisions for offenders under the age of 18.
• HB 479: Allows courts to require drivers who leave the scene of an accident with property damage to pay compensation for the damage caused.
• HB 693: Adds new aggravating factors that can make crimes eligible for the death penalty.

Public safety and child protection

Some new laws also toughen penalties for crimes affecting children and vulnerable populations. HB 777 closes loopholes in cases of solicitation of minors, clarifying that ignorance or misrepresentation of the victim’s age is not a defense. HB 1455 imposes mandatory minimum sentences for certain sex crimes committed by repeat offenders.

SB 1804 classifies the trafficking of children under 12 or people with mental disabilities as a crime punishable by death. It also requires that individuals convicted of serious trafficking offenses be classified as sexual predators.

Other measures strengthen penalties for online sexual harassment, tampering with court officials (HB 1049), and assault or battery on public service workers (SB 1386).

Consumer and housing protection

Flooding has long been a concern in Florida, and as of October 1, tenants gain new protections under SB 948. The law requires landlords to disclose any history of flood damage, insurance claims, or assistance received. If a landlord fails to provide accurate information and significant flood damage occurs, tenants can terminate their lease within 30 days and recover any rent paid in advance.

Technology and drones

Florida adds protections for artificial intelligence and unmanned aircraft systems.

HB 757 cracks down on AI-generated pornography and other sexual images. It makes the creation, sharing, or deliberate possession of such content without consent a third-degree felony. Victims can also sue for damages starting at $10,000.

Drones are also being targeted. HB 1121 increases penalties for the misuse of drones, such as flying over critical infrastructure, attaching weapons, or using them to spy on private property. Distributing voyeuristic images can result in felony charges.

On the other hand, law enforcement agencies are given new powers to deploy drones for crowd control or elected officials’ security, although the restrictions provided for in the state Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act remain in place.

Roads, vehicles, and boating

At least three new laws address road and water safety:

• HB 253: Cracks down on illegal vehicle lights and license plate tampering, including a ban on buying or selling devices to conceal license plates.
• HB 687: Increases penalties for manslaughter while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and establishes criminal penalties for refusing to submit to breath or urine tests after being stopped.
• SB 1168: Increases penalties for using unauthorized tracking devices on another person’s property with criminal intent.

Animal welfare

The Trooper Act (HB 150/SB 150), inspired by a dog abandoned during Hurricane Milton, makes it a third-degree felony to keep a dog outside during natural disasters and then abandon it. Animal advocates consider it a much-needed protection for pets during Florida’s increasingly severe storms.

Privacy and transparency

A series of minor laws update the handling of confidential information in the state. These include changes to privacy protections for minors seeking abortions (SB 7018), exemptions for location data on endangered species (SB 7000), and updates to public records exemptions for financial regulators (HB 7003, SB 7010).

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