New Florida laws: What businesses need to know
On Oct. 1, more than 30 new laws took effect in Florida. The new legislation ranges from fiscal policies, governmental oversight and accountability, judiciary, regulated industries, vehicles and more. Several of these will directly impact businesses in St. Johns County. We have a breakdown of the top seven new Florida laws businesses should know about.
HB 549: Theft Crimes
Under this law, penalties for retail theft become much harsher, and new punishments are laid out for porch pirates. Details »
HB 1365: Public Camping and Sleeping
Prohibits county governments from allowing people to regularly camp or sleep on public properties, buildings, or rights of way, unless the county designates a property for that purpose. Details »
SB 532: Securities
Amends the Securities and Investor Protection Act to improve investor protection through the Securities Guaranty Fund and provide more opportunities for investment within the state. The changes were recommended by a Florida task force that was aimed at increasing the ability of small businesses in the state to raise capital. Details »
SB 1628: Local Governments
Requires that local governments complete a business impact statement before adopting any comprehensive plan amendment or land development regulation. These statements will have to include the following information: Estimate of the direct economic impact, estimate of compliance costs for businesses, identification of new charges and fees, estimate of the county/city’s regulatory costs, and estimate of the number of businesses that would be impacted. Details »
HB 1049: Flood Disclosure in the Sale of Real Property
Aims to require residential property sellers to provide a flood disclosure to buyers. This disclosure would have to be provided by the time the sales contract is executed and include specific information. Details »
HB 1171: Schemes to Defraud
Amends the state rules regarding fraud offenses. The law reclassifies certain fraud cases that are committed against those 65 years old or above, minors, or people with a mental/physical disability. Under the law, such offenses will face steeper penalties, with first-degree misdemeanors being upgraded to third-degree felonies and first-degree felonies being upgraded to a life felony. In addition, the law allows anyone whose image was used in a fraud scheme to recover any damages caused due to the use of their image in the scheme. Details »
HB 7073: Child Care Tax Credit
Established a three year tax credit program capped at $5 million annually to provide employers with incentives to offer child care either on premise or as a payment to workers to offset child care costs. While effective July 1, employer sign up for the program began Oct. 1. The Florida Chamber of Commerce published a guide for employers about the tax credit. Details »
Minimum Wage Increase
While not technically a “new” law, Florida's minimum wage increased by $1 on Oct. 1, to $13 per hour. The minimum wage will increase to $15 per hour in 2026, the result of a change to the state constitution approved by voters in 2020.