New Laws in Florida Address Social Media Use, Voter Registration, and Worker Protections Starting January 1, 2025

New Laws Set to Take Effect in Florida on January 1, 2025

Orlando, Fla. — Florida is set to implement nine significant new laws starting January 1, 2025. These laws cover a range of issues, from children’s social media use to legal protections for first responders and vulnerable adults. Below is an overview of these new regulations.

Social Media Regulations

One of the most notable new laws, House Bill 3, prohibits children aged 13 and younger from having social media accounts. Additionally, it mandates that teenagers aged 14 and 15 must obtain parental permission to create accounts. Social media companies will be required to terminate accounts of anyone under 14 and provide a 90-day period for disputing the termination. These companies must also permanently delete data associated with terminated accounts unless legal requirements dictate otherwise.

Voter Registration Changes

Another important regulation, House Bill 135, aims to protect the integrity of voter registration records. Under this law, a voter’s party affiliation cannot be changed without written consent from the applicant. Those who do not indicate a party when registering will be placed on the voter rolls without any party affiliation.

Construction and Renovation Simplification

House Bill 267 introduces changes to the construction and renovation processes, intended to lower costs and expedite permitting for residential projects. Notable revisions include the removal of the requirement for seal drawings when replacing windows, doors, or garage doors in single-family homes and townhouses, given they meet certain conditions. Furthermore, the law establishes new deadlines for local governments to approve or deny building applications.

First Responder Protections

In efforts to enhance safety, Senate Bill 184 makes it illegal for anyone to ignore a verbal warning from first responders. This includes remaining within 25 feet of a first responder after being instructed to leave. Such violations are categorized as second-degree misdemeanors, offering legal protection to those in emergency services.

Workers’ Compensation Revisions

Senate Bill 362 addresses the compensation structure within the workers’ compensation framework. The law raises the maximum medical reimbursement rates for physicians and increases the hourly fees for expert witnesses from $200 to $300, ensuring that injured workers receive necessary medical treatments throughout their recovery process.

Financial Protections for Vulnerable Adults

To safeguard older adults, Senate Bill 556 provides additional protections against financial exploitation. The law enables financial institutions to delay transactions from the accounts of adults aged 65 and older under certain circumstances, aiming to shield them from potential scams.

Dental Contract Restrictions

Senate Bill 892 aims to protect both dentists and patients by prohibiting restrictive contracts and unauthorized payment fees imposed by insurers. This regulation helps ensure fair financial practices within the dental field.

Modernized Bond Regulations

Lastly, Senate Bill 7054 modernizes Florida’s private activity bond laws. The updated provisions streamline bond allocation for public benefit projects and make it easier to utilize these financial tools for affordable housing projects while simplifying compliance requirements for bond requests.

Conclusion

These new laws reflect Florida’s efforts to address a variety of crucial issues, from child safety online to protecting the rights of workers and vulnerable populations. As January 1, 2025, approaches, residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with how these changes may impact their lives and communities.