From Fentanyl to Boating: Florida’s New Laws Take Effect July 1

Over 100 new Florida laws go into effect July 1, 2025, covering safety, health, and public policy.

Key highlights include:

• School Safety (SB 1514, SB 1070, HB 597): Emergency allergy plans and EpiPen-trained staff are now required in K–8 schools. Student athletes must undergo EKGs. Diabetic students may manage their condition during school hours.

• Animal Welfare (HB 593, HB 255): New regulations for dangerous dogs include microchipping and liability insurance. “Dexter’s Law” mandates public registries for animal abusers.

• Public Safety (HB 351, HB 279): Excessive speeding now carries jail time. False emergency calls that cause death are felonies.

• Boating (HB 289, SB 1388): “Lucy’s Law” enforces harsher penalties for reckless boating. The “Boater Freedom Act” limits police stops without probable cause.

• Condominium Reform (HB 913): In response to Surfside’s collapse, new flexibility is granted for reserve funding and safety inspections.

• Other Notables:

  • Fentanyl Awareness Day on August 21 (HB 259).

  • State Parks Protection Act bans hotels and golf courses in state parks (HB 209).

  • “Gulf of America” officially replaces “Gulf of Mexico” in public materials (HB 549).

  • Fluoride ban in water supplies, making Florida the second state to do so (SB 700).

Gov. Ron DeSantis says the changes are designed to balance safety, freedom, and affordability across the state.