The post Several notable new laws set to go into effect July 1 appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..
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Tomorrow is July 1, which means dozens of new state laws are about to go into effect.
The date coincides with the start of the fiscal year, which has been the day most Florida laws become effective since Florida’s current constitution was adopted in 1968.
Here are a few notable bills set to become law.
HB 1471 — “Domestic terrorist organization” designation
State officials can now formally label certain groups as domestic terrorist organizations and increase penalties for people who support them. Florida’s chief of domestic security — the head of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement — can recommend the label, and the governor and Cabinet must approve it.
Civil liberties groups warn that the definition is broad and could be applied unevenly in politically sensitive cases. Gov. Ron DeSantis says the law allows the state to combat un-American ideologies, like Sharia law.
The bill passed the House and Senate along party lines.
SB 484 — Data centers and utilities
SB 484 seeks to shield ratepayers from higher utility bills caused by hyperscale AI data centers.
The bill passed the House 92-16 and Senate 31-6, though many supporters were unhappy with the watered-down version produced by the house. The fight highlighted the tension between regulatory efforts in Florida and the AI-friendly White House.
HB 697 — Pharmacy benefit manager overhaul
The state is imposing new rules on PBMs that control drug pricing and pharmacy reimbursements. The pharmaceutical industry opposed the changes, arguing it will lead to drug shortages and worse care options.
In spite of the pushback, the bill advanced unanimously out of both houses and was signed by the Governor in March, with supporters insisting the legislation will bring down prices.
HB 1097 — School Board member bill of rights
The bill gives School Board members clearer authority to access records, place items on agendas and receive training on state education laws. The bill passed both chambers unanimously and was championed by DeSantis-backed Volusia County School Board Member Donna Brosemer.
HB 175 — Stablecoin regulation
Florida is creating a regulatory framework for stablecoins. Proponents say it positions the state as a fintech leader by requiring issuers to meet new disclosure and consumer‑protection standards, while critics argue it could accelerate crypto adoption without strong safeguards.
The post Several notable new laws set to go into effect July 1 appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..
