More than two dozen new laws go into effect in Florida on October 1, 2025, addressing public safety, housing, and criminal justice issues.

Criminal Justice and Public Safety:

“Trooper’s Law” creates criminal penalties for restraining and abandoning dogs outside during natural disasters. The “Tristin Murphy Act” provides funding for programs diverting individuals with mental health issues away from the criminal justice system, including training for 911 operators and support for veterans’ treatment courts.

Several laws impose stricter penalties for crimes, including sexual offenses, human trafficking, DUI manslaughter, and fleeing from law enforcement. New provisions prohibit generating or possessing altered sexual depictions without consent and expand protections for children in luring and exploitation cases.

Enhanced penalties apply for assaults on utility workers, harassment of court officials, and use of tracking devices to facilitate dangerous crimes.

Vehicle and Traffic Laws:

New laws increase penalties for license plate tampering, driving with certain unauthorized lights, and refusing breath or urine tests after DUI arrests. Courts may now order drivers who leave the scene of a crash to pay restitution for property damage.

Housing and Land Use:

Landlords must provide flood disclosure information to tenants before lease signing, and developers must give similar information to condominium buyers. Counties and municipalities must streamline development permit application processes.

Several laws also extend public records exemptions for financial technology applications, endangered species locations, and abortion-related court proceedings involving minors.

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