200+ New Florida Laws Go Into Effect July 1

TALLAHASSEE, FL — From immigration to gun rights to gender identity, more than 200 bills officially become law Saturday in the Sunshine State.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed nearly 300 bills passed by the Republican-dominated Legislature during the 2023 session, according to a Miami Herald report. While about a third went into effect immediately or will become law in October or January, many will hit the books July 1.

Here's a look at some of the most significant bills that go into effect Saturday.

Parental Rights And Education Bill Expansion (HB 1069)

HB 1069 expands the existing "Parental Rights in Education" law, dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" law by critics. The law initially limited classroom conversations on sexual orientation and gender for students in grades K-3 when it was passed last year. The expansion of this law now prohibits these topics for grades 4-12.

With the law's expansion, students and teachers are no longer allowed to declare their preferred pronouns at school or be forced to use pronouns for others that aren't based on biological sex.

Immigration (SB 1718)

SB 1718 cracks down on businesses by penalizing those knowingly hiring undocumented immigrants. The bill is intended to curb illegal immigration in Florida. The bill also provides $12 million to DeSantis' migrant relocation program, which has come under fire recently by leaders of multiple states.

Permitless Carry (HB 543)

HB 543 allows Florida gun owners to carry a concealed weapon without getting a permit, which requires completing a gun safety course, providing fingerprints, undergoing an additional background check, and paying a permit fee.

About half of U.S. states allow people to carry a gun without a permit, a movement that's grown popular among conservative states, according to The Associated Press.

Gender-Affirming Care For Minors (SB 254)

SB 254, the "Outlawing Permanent Mutilation of Minors" law, outlaws gender-affirming surgery and puberty blockers for minors. It also grants Florida courts temporary emergency jurisdiction to intervene and halt procedures for out-of-state children, according to the governor's news release.

Facility Use In Public Places (HB 1521)

HB 1521, called the "Ensuring Women's Safety" law, prevents transgender people from using bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity in public places like schools and correctional facilities.

"A woman should not be in a locker room, having to worry about someone from the opposite sex being in their locker room," DeSantis said when he signed the bill, according to a CNN report.

'Don't Say Period' Bill (HB 1069)

The legislation, part of the Parental Rights In Education expansion, prohibits conversations about menstrual cycles and human sexuality — including sexually transmitted diseases — in public elementary schools.

College Diversity Programs (SB 266)

In May, House Republicans approved a bill banning Florida colleges and universities from using state funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The bill also restricts teaching about race and gender on college campuses and prohibits students from majoring or minoring in critical race theory, gender studies or intersectionality.

Budget (SB 2500)

On Saturday, the state's 2023-24 fiscal year budget of $116.5 billion will go into effect. DeSantis vetoed $510.9 million from the budget passed by lawmakers in May.

See a complete list of laws compiled by WFLA.