June 25, 2025

Florida Lawmakers Enact a Total of 189 New Bills

News Summary

Florida lawmakers have enacted 189 new bills aimed at enhancing public safety, education, and environmental conservation, with many measures set to take effect soon. Notable bills include enhanced penalties for animal cruelty, stricter regulations on dangerous dogs, and new provisions for school start times. The legislative session also introduces important changes in various sectors, ensuring improved safety and community well-being. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these new laws as implementation dates approach.

Florida – As of June 24, 2025, Florida lawmakers, supported by Governor Ron DeSantis, have enacted a total of 189 new bills, with more than half of these laws slated to take effect on July 1, 2025. The approval of these new bills marks a significant legislative session aimed at various sectors including public safety, health care, education, and environmental conservation.

Among the noteworthy measures, House Bill 85 expands the criteria for what constitutes “hazardous walking conditions” for elementary school students, which is anticipated to enhance the safety of children commuting to school. This bill will also go into effect on July 1. Another significant addition, House Bill 255, establishes stricter penalties for animal cruelty and will implement a searchable database for offenders to aid in legal enforcement. This law is expected to help protect animals from abuse and is also effective on July 1.

In public safety, House Bill 279 makes it illegal to make “swatting” calls—false emergency reports designed to provoke a police response. This law enforces felony charges should injury or death result from such actions, emphasizing the importance of responsible communication during emergencies. Additionally, House Bill 351 introduces penalties for “dangerous excessive speeding,” reflecting a growing concern over reckless driving.

Furthermore, House Bill 209 prohibits the establishment of sports facilities in state parks, reinforcing Florida’s commitment to conservation-based recreation. Similarly, the State Park Preservation Act consolidates the protection of state parks primarily for conservation activities starting on July 1.

As part of education reforms, changes have been made to school start times laws, giving school districts more autonomy to determine their start times rather than adhering to specific mandated hours. This change is expected to better align school schedules with student needs and community preferences.

In line with public health initiatives, House Bill 259 designates August 21 as “Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day,” aiming to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and promote educational resources for the community.

Moreover, House Bill 113 introduces harsher penalties for those who flee from law enforcement, set to take effect on October 1, 2025. This legislation underscores the state’s efforts to enhance public safety and law enforcement capabilities.

Among the immediate implementations, House Bill 593 establishes stricter regulations for “dangerous dogs” to improve community safety. Additionally, House Bill 383 addresses emergency responders, allowing law enforcement to bypass the three-day waiting period for gun purchases, effective July 1.

The legislative session also introduced reforms focused on condominium safety regulations in the wake of the Surfside disaster. These measures are designed to provide more flexibility in funding reserve accounts, ensuring better management of safety resources.

With these 189 bills, the Florida Legislature aims to address an array of critical areas that affect everyday life, from public safety improvements to environmental preservation. As the implementation dates approach, communities across Florida will need to remain informed and prepared for these changes, many of which aim to foster safer and more sustainable living environments.

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Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER

ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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