On October 1, more than 30 laws will take effect in Florida, including controversial HB 1365, a law that stops public camping.
Learn more about all the laws taking effect today with the list below.
HB 1365 : Unauthorized public camping and public sleeping
Signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis months ago, this law prohibits camping on city streets, sidewalks and parks.
According to the governor, the purpose of this law is to ensure Florida streets are clean and safe, adding that the law ensures local governments are utilizing the resources of homeless shelters to provide individuals with the safety and services they need.
According to the law, counties and municipalities are not allowed to authorize public sleeping or camping on public property unless certified by the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Once a designated public property has been established, local governments must get approval from DCF that includes security, behavioral health services and bathrooms with running water.
The governor says this bill is needed as homeless encampments are on the rise across the country, pushing many to move to Florida for more safety.
Law enforcement can arrest homeless individuals who refuse to stop camping in public spaces.
HB 341 : Designation of a diagnosis on motor vehicle registration
This new law requires language on a motor vehicle registration form that allows applicants to voluntarily indicate that they have been diagnosed with specified disabilities or disorders. The law allows applicants to indicate if they are a parent or guardian to someone with a specified disability or disorder.
The new law also requires that designation be included in motor vehicle records, allowing for these designations to be changed, removed or added at any time.
The law provides law enforcement and first responders with an advanced notice that the person they’re going to interact with has a disability or condition in hopes of reducing “unnecessary adverse actions,” improving communication, and getting the person-specific care that’s needed.
Some of the conditions include autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, Alzheimer’s, PTSD, a traumatic brain injury, diabetes, deafness, blindness, or another “mentally or physically limiting disorder,” according to the bill’s text.
HB 549 : Increased penalties for retail theft
In regards to retail theft, this new law:
- Reduces the minimum threshold amount for grand theft of the third degree
- Creates new offense of grand theft
- Provides enhanced criminal penalties for committing petit theft of first degree and having previous convictions
- Revises number of thefts required within specific aggregation period required to commit specified violation for retail theft
- Revises specified timeframes in which individual acts of retail theft may be aggregated
- Prohibits retail theft with specified number of other persons for specified purpose
- Prohibits retail theft when social media platform is used to solicit participation
- Requires person convicted of retail theft to pay specified restitution
“Florida is taking another step to distinguish ourselves from lawless jurisdictions and keep our residents and businesses safe,” DeSantis said in a statement upon signing the bill. “If you steal in Florida, we will catch you and we will prosecute you.”
RELATED: Gov. Ron DeSantis proposes new bill that will increase penalties for retail theft
SB 718 : Exposure of first responders to fentanyl and fentanyl analogs
This new law adds criminal penalties for anyone who "recklessly" exposes first responders to fentanyl that results in overdose or other injuries. In addition, the law says people "acting in good faith" and seeking medical assistance for an individual experiencing an overdose are prohibited from the penalty.
HB 1049 : Flood disclosure in the sale of real property
Under this new law, sellers of residential real property are required to provide specified information to prospective purchasers regarding flooding.
The disclosure will specify whether or not the seller has filed an insurance claim related to flood damage for that property or has ever received federal assistance for flood damage. It also includes an encouragement for the buyer to consider whether they need to purchase flood insurance.
HB 1171 : Increased penalties for schemes to defraud
This new law provides reclassification of certain offenses when committed against someone who is 65 or older, a minor or a person with disabilities.
The law also provides civil actions for damages by someone whose images or likeness was used in a scheme to defraud without their consent.
There are many other laws going into effect on Tuesday, including a law that prohibits the placement of tracking devices/applications to a person or their property without permission ( SB 758 ), the protection and development of specialty license plates ( HB 403 ) and new guidance on nicotine dispensing devices ( HB 1007 ).
Here is a full list of Florida laws going into effect on Oct. 1:
- SB 86 : Hope Cards for Persons Issued Orders of Protection
- SB 92 : Yacht and Ship Brokers’ Act
- HB 341 : Designation of a Diagnosis on Motor Vehicle Registrations
- HB 403 : Specialty License Plates
- HB 479 : Alternative Mobility Funding Systems and Impact Fees
- SB 532 : Securities
- HB 549 : Theft
- SB 718 : Exposures of First Responders to Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogs
- SB 758 : Tracking Devices and Applications
- SB 764 : Retention of Sexual Offense Evidence
- HB 801 : Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Training for Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers
- SB 808 : Treatment by a Medical Specialist
- SB 902 : Motor Vehicle Retail Financial Agreements
- HB 1007 : Nicotine Dispensing Devices
- SB 1036 : Reclassification of Criminal Penalties
- HB 1049 : Flood Disclosure in the Sale of Real Property
- HB 1171 : Schemes to Defraud
- HB 1235 : Sexual Predators and Sexual Offenders
- HB 1365 : Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping
- HB 1389 : Digital Voyeurism
- HB 1415 : Peer Support for First Responders
- HB 1545 : Child Exploitation Offenses
- SB 1628 : Local Government Actions
- HB 7001 : OGSR/Reporter of Child Abuse, Abandonment, or Neglect
- HB 7003 : OGSR/Preregistered Voters
- HB 7005 : OGSR/Financial Disclosure
- SB 7006 : OGSR/Utility Owned or Operated by a Unit of Local Government
- HB 7007 : OGSR/Campus Emergency Response
- SB 7008 : OGSR/Department of the Lottery
- HB 7009 : OGSR/Mental Health Treatment and Services
- HB 7043 : OGSR/Agency Personnel Information
WFLA contributed to this report.
