New laws in Florida target animal cruelty and medical billing

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

Florida is implementing new laws in 2026 to address animal cruelty and medical billing practices.

"I think that's great. So that more women will be able to get exams without worrying about the cost of everything. And I think it all should be free anyway, because it's very important," said Darlene Laflamme, an Alva resident.

Florida Senate Bill 158 ensures state employees no longer have to pay out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams, including MRIs and ultrasounds, to promote early detection.

"Just do it. Just go. And get your exams. It'll save your life in most cases. If you're diagnosed with breast cancer, you have to go. You have to get it checked," Laflamme added.

Another new law requires medical facilities to issue refunds within 30 days if patients accidentally overpay their medical bills.

"That's great. That's amazing. Yeah, I think a lot of people should look at their bills. A lot of people don't look at their bills because they probably figure insurance companies are paying, so they're not looking at their explanation of benefits (EOBs)," said Kenneth Laflamme, also an Alva resident. "Once you look at your explanation of benefits and you see that they overcharge you, within 30 days, yeah, that's nice. Pay me back."

Among the new laws is Dexter's Law, which creates harsher penalties for animal cruelty cases and establishes a statewide database of abusers.

"Oh, that's so important. It's so great because people give away their pets like it's nothing, and they end up in terrible homes," said Samantha Melnitsky of Fort Myers.

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