With 2025 underway, the state of Florida has new laws that are now in effect. Below is a small list of notable new laws
Restrictions on Social Media for Youth
New online restrictions for children ages 14 and younger. They will be prohibited from creating a social media account on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. 14 and 15-year-olds are allowed to have accounts with parental consent.
Building Permit Efficiency and Expediency
The new law puts pressure on local governments to approve or turn away permit applications within a time limit.
Buildings greater than 7,500 square feet, signs and non-residential buildings less than 25,000 square feet, multi-family residential structures not exceeding 50 units, certain site-plan approvals, subdivision plats, lot grading, and site alteration: 60 business days.
Buildings less than 7,500 square feet: 30 business days. Master building permits for site-specific building permits: 12 business days and single-family dwellings utilizing the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program: 10 business days.
Changing Voter Registration
If Florida voters want to change their political party affiliation from Democrat to Republican or vice versa, they have to agree to the change in writing. State lawmakers said the change was needed because it became an issue when residents renewed their driver’s licenses.
Penalties for Interfering With First Responders
The new law says anyone who threatens or prevents a first responder from performing their duties could be charged with a misdemeanor and end up in jail.
Anybody defined as a “first responder,” such as a law enforcement officer, correctional probation officer, firefighter, or emergency medical care provider.
Any activity that interferes with the capability of performing their duty, like threatening a first responder with physical harm or harassing a first responder, would be a second-degree misdemeanor that could carry a 60-day jail sentence.
Amendment 5 Homestead Property Taxes
It was passed by Florida voters last November by over 60% and it deals with Florida homeowners who have a homestead exemption and help to lower their annual property tax increases.
