January 2025 – Florida Legislative Update

As the new year unfolds, it’s essential for Florida residents and businesses to stay informed about the latest changes to state laws. From updates to social media restrictions for minors to new protections for vulnerable adults, these laws impact a wide range of everyday activities and professional practices. At Miami Legal, P.A., we understand that navigating legal changes can be overwhelming. This blog highlights key updates to Florida’s legal landscape to help you stay compliant and informed.

1. HB 3 – Social Media Usage for Minors

This legislation prohibits children under 14 from having social media accounts. Teenagers aged 14 and 15 may use social media only with parental consent. “Social media” is defined as platforms meeting these criteria:

• Allowing user-uploaded content or viewing others’ content.
• Having at least 10% of users under 16 who average two hours daily on the platform.
• Utilizing data-driven algorithms and incorporating addictive features such as infinite scrolling or push notifications.

2. HB 135 – Voter Registration Modifications

This bill amends voter registration rules, requiring written consent for party affiliation changes to prevent errors, like those previously caused by a Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) software glitch. The DHSMV must ensure technology updates avoid altering voter party affiliation without explicit written consent.

3. HB 267 – Building Code Revisions

House Bill 267 introduces time limits for local governments to process permit applications and includes these updates:

• Mandates auditing standards for private providers before audits.
• Establishes an internship pathway to residential building inspector licensure.
• Exempts sealed drawings for window, door, or garage door replacements if state standards are met.

4. HB 1093 – Fiduciary Income and Principal Act

Replacing the Florida Uniform Principal and Income Act, this law updates trust management under modern portfolio theory. It supports total-return investing, permits converting trusts into unitrusts, and enhances estate planning flexibility.

5. HB 1491 – Public Records Exemptions

This law, tied to HB 1, protects specific data from public disclosure during Department of Legal Affairs (DLA) investigations, including personal identifying details, proprietary information, and weaknesses in data security. These exemptions are set to expire in 2029 unless renewed.

6. HB 7017 & HB 7019 – Property Tax Amendment

HB 7017 introduced Amendment 5, which was approved by voters to lower property tax increases for homeowners with a homestead exemption. HB 7019 ensures statutory alignment with the amendment.

7. SB 184 – First Responder Protections

This bill categorizes as first-degree misdemeanors any actions that interfere with, threaten, or harass first responders while they are performing their duties. Specifically, those individuals who fail to step back 25 feet when commanded to do so by first responders will face criminal penalties.

8. SB 362 – Workers’ Compensation Updates

Increases maximum reimbursement rates for medical services and expert witness fees under Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Law.

9. SB 556 – Safeguards Against Financial Exploitation

This law permits financial institutions to delay transactions involving elderly or vulnerable adults if exploitation is suspected, with notifications and reviews required within specific timeframes. Delays expire in 15 days but may be extended.

10. SB 892 – Dental Insurance Reform

This legislation prohibits restrictive payment methods in contracts between insurers and dentists, bars fees for certain payment methods without consent, and disallows denial of claims previously authorized.

11. SB 7054 – Private Activity Bonds

This law optimizes the use of private activity bonds for public-interest projects by consolidating underutilized resources and streamlining allocation timelines. Carry-forward rights now apply to all confirmed bond allocations.

Understanding new legislation is critical to protecting your rights and ensuring compliance. Whether you’re a business owner adjusting to new regulations, a family navigating estate planning updates, or an individual seeking clarity on legal protections, Miami Legal, P.A., is here to help. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through these changes with tailored legal advice and representation. Contact us today by telephone at 305-668-6449 or by email at info@miamilegalpa.com to schedule a consultation and let us provide the expertise you need to confidently face Florida’s evolving legal landscape.