Normally, new laws passed in Florida take shape at the beginning of July, but there are now 30 new laws that begin this week.
Sexual cyber harassment.
New rules on sexual cyber harassment, which will make it a third-degree felony instead of a first-degree misdemeanor if it’s done for financial gain.
The statute of limitations for violations is extended, and victims can sue for damages.
Licensure of family foster homes.
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) will need to expedite the licensure application process for family foster homes, particularly for licensed foster parents who have relocated within the state.
The new law allows a family foster home that is in good standing to have a priority review and have its background checks expedited.
Abandoning restrained dogs during natural disasters
This bill received widespread support. Known as “Trooper’s Law,” anybody who abandons an animal or decides to leave it chained up during a natural disaster will be charged with a felony.
Boating and driving offenses
The law included new penalties for DUI and BUI manslaughter. Repeat offenders could serve up to 30 years in prison. Also, if a driver refuses to do a breath or urine test during a DUI arrest, it will now be a second-degree misdemeanor.
Sexual images
If an individual used a lewd or lascivious image with the intent to promote it, they can be charged with a second-degree felony. For soliciting child pornography, it will now be a third-degree felony.
Flood disclosures
If you are living or looking for homes, consumers will have better treatment. The new law says landlords, developers, and mobile home park owners must disclose flood information.
Drones.
If a person owns a drone, they can be charged if they operate it over or near an infrastructure facility, or if they have a weapon or firearm attached to their drone. Also, you can’t use a drone to survey a person or their private property if you intend to distribute that surveillanc.e
Registration of sexual predators and sexual offenders
The new law states that sexual predators and offenders will have to report where they work and must give their work phone numbers, and local police officers will have to verify a sexual predator’s address four times a year, while a sexual offender must have their address verified once per year.
