What You Need To Know About Florida’s New Laws
In the Florida, lawmakers passed 279 bills during this year’s assembly. 161 of these bills took effect July 1st, the start of fiscal year. Some of the areas influenced by these new laws include property taxes, school bullying, and criminal punishment, as well as a few other items that affect everyday life for some residents.
One bill did not take effect as scheduled after a judge issued a temporary injunction on the law which redefined when abortions should be performed and prevented state resources from being channeled to an organization that provides abortions.
Below are some of the most notable measures that will came into effect earlier this month.
BUDGET
The budget for the fiscal year was passed at $82.3 billion by a convincing vote of 159-1. In this budget, at least $700 million were allocated for construction of schools, and $203.8 million was set aside for Everglades restoration.
TAX CUTS
This new tax bill will benefit most residents of the state. Taxes levied on property, and rates for local millage should drop. Back to school shoppers will also benefit from this new bill that provides a sales tax holiday for three days; between Aug 5th and 7th. Manufacturing apparatus and machinery will be subject to a permanent sales tax exemption as well as a reduction on tax rate imposed on aviation fuel.
BULLYING
All school districts will be required to review their harassment and anti-bullying policies. This review should be done every three years. The district schools should also integrate regulations on abuse and violence into discipline rules.
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
The “10-20-Life” sentence can no longer be used in cases of those who have been convicted of aggravated assault charges or attempted assault charges.
DIGITAL ASSETS
In this current era of technology, digital assets are more valuable than ever which is why Florida lawmakers granted trustees or guardians the right to manage both electronic communications and digital assets as they would manage financial accounts and other tangible assets.
FESTIVALS
Occasions involving cook-offs or food contests that are hosted by a church, nonprofit organization, school or religious institution will not be termed as “public food service establishments” as long as the event will not last for more than three days. As a result, such festivals will not be subject to an inspection by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants neither will they have to pay to license fees.
JURY DUTY
Persons who are permanently unable to care for themselves can now submit a written statement from a doctor verifying their disability in order to be permanently exempt from jury duty.
MARRIAGE
Clergy people do not have to marry couples of the same sex if they hold religious objections.
OUTDOORS
The fine for individuals caught killing, selling, or taking game or fur-bearing animals illegally while trespassing will increase from $250 to $500. It is also now a felony of the third-degree to knowingly to possess marine turtles, their eggs, or their nests.
RAPE KITS
Law enforcement officials are now required to submit rape kits to a state crime lab within 30 days of the start of their investigations. The state crime lab will be needed to test the kits within the following 120 days.
SAFETY
Clearing requirements will be mandatory for elevators installed in the private residences. Additionally, these elevators must be equipped with a sensor to prevent their operation if an object is detected.
