Melissa Donovan
More than 100 new laws are set to take effect across Florida this week, reflecting wide-ranging changes in state policy on issues from education and public health to animal welfare and land conservation. The new legislation, approved during the 2024 session and signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, officially goes into effect July 1.
Florida to Ban Fluoride in Public Water Systems
One of the most high-profile laws establishes Florida as the second state in the nation—after Utah—to prohibit the use of fluoride in public water systems. The legislation, backed by Governor DeSantis and Republican lawmakers, takes effect Monday.
Fluoride has been commonly added to drinking water for decades to help reduce tooth decay. However, critics have raised concerns about long-term health risks. The ban has drawn sharp opposition from leading dental and medical organizations, which point to extensive research supporting fluoride’s role in promoting oral health.
Condo Reform Law Offers Financial Flexibility to Owners
A new law offers relief to Florida condominium owners by easing certain financial and inspection requirements introduced after the 2021 Surfside condo collapse. The original regulations had made condo ownership significantly more expensive due to mandates for rigorous building inspections and strict reserve fund rules.
The updated legislation provides condo associations with more flexibility in how they fund reserves, opening the door to alternatives beyond cash-only contributions.
School Start Time Mandate Repealed
School districts will now have the authority to set their own start times, thanks to the repeal of a 2023 law that would have required middle schools to start no earlier than 8 a.m. and high schools no earlier than 8:30 a.m.
The original law was scheduled to take effect this fall but was met with pushback from district leaders concerned about staffing shortages and reduced student availability for extracurriculars and part-time jobs. The repeal restores local control over school scheduling.
Gulf of Mexico to be Renamed “Gulf of America” in State Law
Florida is also making a symbolic change with a law that renames the “Gulf of Mexico” as the “Gulf of America” in all state statutes and educational materials. The bill, sponsored by State Senator Nick DiCeglie of Indian Rocks Beach, aligns with an executive order issued earlier this year by former President Donald Trump.
Implementation will roll out over time as state agencies and schools update official references.
Tougher Penalties for Animal Abuse
Several new laws strengthen animal cruelty protections across the state:
Dexter’s Law, named after a rescue dog found beheaded in a Pinellas County park, increases penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and creates a publicly accessible online database of convicted animal abusers. Animal advocates say the legislation marks a long-awaited step forward in protecting vulnerable animals.
Trooper’s Law makes it a felony to restrain or abandon a dog during hurricanes, evacuations, or other natural disasters. Offenders could face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Ban on Large-Scale Development in State Parks
In response to public outcry over a 2023 proposal to allow large-scale development in state parks, a new law will now prohibit projects like golf courses, hotels, and pickleball courts within Florida’s protected parklands. Governor DeSantis previously withdrew the controversial plan, and the new legislation ensures similar proposals cannot move forward in the future.
As these new laws take effect, Floridians can expect significant shifts in policy that touch nearly every corner of public life. For a complete list of the legislation now in force, residents can visit the Florida Senate or House websites.
Comments