New Florida Laws That Take Effect In 2024

FLORIDA — In the new year, a number of newly enacted laws take effect in Florida, affecting everything from traffic safety to state park campsite reservations to the personal financial disclosures of elected officials.

Take a look at some of the new laws that take effect in January 2024:

SB-774: Ethics Requirements for Public Officials

This new law requires small-town elected officials to file Form 6 and disclose personal financial information, including their net worth, the amount of money in their bank accounts and the cost of any assets they own over $1,000. This has led to dozens of municipal leaders across the street resigning from their positions.

• Related: 4 Of 5 St. Pete Beach Council Members Resign Over FL Law

HB 425: Transportation

This transportation bill, which has various provisions, including expanding the state’s “Move Over” law. Starting Jan. 1, drivers will be required to move over or slow down for any disabled vehicles with their flashers on. If it’s unsafe to move over, drivers must slow down to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit. Under the current law, drivers are only required to do so for law enforcement, certain work crews and wrecks.

HB-1275: Persons with Disabilities Registry

With the goal of helping law enforcement interact with and better serve Floridians with disabilities, this new law creates a Persons with Disabilities Registry in the state. Information included in the registry includes a person’s name, contact information, and any relevant disabilities or conditions.

HB 1627: Pretrial Release and Detention

Under this new law, people face harsher pretrial release options, including potentially being denied release prior to their first appearance hearing, based on their criminal history. It also requires the Florida Supreme Court to create a uniform, statewide bail bond schedule.

HB-7061: Sheriffs Providing Child Protective Investigative Services

This law requires sheriff’s offices in seven Florida counties — Broward, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas, Seminole and Walton — to hand over child protective investigations to the Florida Department of Children and Families. It also allows these agencies to transfer employees to DCF.

HB-109: State Park Campsite Reservations

Florida residents now get first crack at booking RV lots, cabins and campsites at state parks. This new law allows them to make a booking 11 months in advance, while non-residents may only make them 10 months out.

HB-5C: Scrutinized Companies

This law, passed during a November special session, comes on the heels of Israel’s war with the Iran-backed Hamas. Starting Jan. 10, the state will expand its restrictions on state investments with businesses that have ties to Iran. Under the new law, the state will add businesses to its “scrutinized” list if more than 10 percent of their total revenues or assets are linked to Iran.