7 New Florida Laws Going Into Effect October 1, 2023
There are several dozen new laws going into effect beginning October 1. Here are a few of them that you might wish to know.
Here are seven laws going into effect on October 1:
CS/HB 319: Interference With Sporting or Entertainment Events
TAMPA, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 07: A fan runs on the field during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LV between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Raymond James Stadium on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Remember that guy who ran on the field during the Super Bowl? Well, you can thank him for this new law. This law prohibits certain actions during covered sports and entertainment events. It makes criminal penalties and prohibits profiting from violating these laws.
Violating this law means you could be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. That person can be punished by a fine of up to $2,500. A person who solicits another person to violate this law, by offering money or other thing of value, has committed a third-degree felony.
If a person is convicted of violating this law, that person may not profit from that violation. Any payment or gift of value may be subject to seizure as provided by the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act. So, don’t do it.
HB 1047: Offenses Against Certain Animals
This law protects canines, whether police, fire, or SAR (search and rescue) dogs, and police horses. Violence against any of these could result in criminal charges. Resisting, obstructing, or opposing a police canine or police horse, along with the authorized person with said animal, becomes a third-degree felony.
Knowingly, maliciously harassing, teasing, or trying to interfere with this law also face penalties.
HB 1367: Unlawful Dumping
Some clearly were not aware unlawful dumping is wrong. In this new law specifies it is “unlawful to dump litter in or on any water control district property or canal right-of-way without specified consent.” If litter comes from a boat, the boat’s operator or owner (or both) are in violation of this law.
Litter includes, but is not limited to: personal property, garbage, rubbish, trash, refuse, can, bottle, box, container, appear, tobacco product, pharmaceutical of any kind, tire, household item, shed, appliance, mechanical equipment or part, building or construction material tool, machinery, wood, motor vehicle or motor vehicle part. You can click here for a more complete list of definitions.
HB 535: Funeral Service Benefits for Public Safety Officers
Otherwise known as the “Respecting Their Sacrifice Act,” this law provides per diem and travel expenses of public officers, employees, and authorized persons; statewide travel management system.
The head of each law enforcement agency has the power to authorize travel expenses for employees who are law enforcement officers to attend funeral services within Florida of a law enforcement officer who was killed in the line of duty.
Also, the law authorizes $10,000 to be paid toward funeral and burial expenses for an officer lost in the line of duty. This is in addition to benefits to which the officer’s beneficiaries are entitled and dependents under Workers’ Compensation Law, another other state or federal laws.
SB 942: Authorization of Restrictions Concerning Dogs
This law authorizes public housing to set up policies related to dogs. It restricts certain policies that may have already been adopted and removes an exemption for local breed-specific laws. Local governments will be allowed to make policies regarding possible attacks. It also sets up restrictions on on owners of dogs that have bitten or attacked people or other animals.
HB 949: Operation of a Golf Cart
There are changes in laws regarding where golf carts can be driven, and who can drive them in those locations. For instance:
Golf carts are prohibited on public roads or streets except in certain conditions. Local governments must determine if golf carts can safely be driven on those roads. Appropriate signs must be posted to show that the carts are allowed.
Golf carts may not be driven on streets by anyone under 18 unless that driver has a license or valid learner’s permit. Those 18 and older must carry photo identification. Violations are traffic infractions.
HB 965: Driver License, Identification Card, and Motor Vehicle Registration
Changes made to the law include (but are not limited to):
Written reports of accidents are to be immediately available to the parties involved, as well as insurers and lawyers.
When cars are sold, they must be certified that the air pollution control equipment has not been tampered with.
When registering a vehicle, or renewing of registration, the application form must include allowing a voluntary contribution of $1 to Best Buddies International.
Also, when applying for, or renewing a driver license, the application must include a number of voluntary $1 contributions to Health Care Trust Fund, Florida Council of the Blind, Hearing Research Institute, Incorporated, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay, Inc., among others.
You can click here for a more comprehensive list of laws that will go into effect on October 1, 2023.
[Source: flsenate.gov/News Channel 8]
11 New Florida Laws Going Into Effect July 1, 2023
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
There are also restrictions on what can be read or taught in schools. One new law aims to keep medication costs under control. Another puts new rules in place on the rides at Florida’s amusements parks, after a teen died in Orlando.
Here are some of the more notable laws taking effect July 1, 2023 here in Florida.
9/11
Teachers will give 45 minutes of time in class on the events of 9/11.
Policemen and firemen run away from the huge dust cloud caused as the World Trade Center’s Tower One collapses after terrorists crashed two hijacked planes into the twin towers, September 11, 2001 in New York City. (Photo by Jose Jimenez/Primera Hora/Getty Images)
