Several changes in Florida laws will take hold as 2024 begins, from an expansion of the state's "move over" traffic law to stricter rules involving investments in Iran.
State lawmakers during the 2023 regular legislative session and during special sessions approved five laws that will take effect in January.
But the arrival of 2024 also will bring other changes, from new campsite reservation rules to the end of a program that provides credits to frequent toll-road users.
Florida's 'Move Over' law expands
One of the most-visible changes is an expansion of the "move over" law, which requires drivers to get out of lanes closest to stopped vehicles such as police cars, ambulances and utility trucks.
As part of a wide-ranging transportation bill (HB 425) passed during the regular session, motorists starting Monday will have to provide space when disabled vehicles are stopped along roads with people visible or such things as warning lights on..
Violations will carry a fine of up to $158 for a noncriminal traffic infraction.
Meanwhile, a change will take effect that was passed during a November special session to show support for Israel during the war with Iran-backed Hamas.
The law (HB 5C), starting Jan. 10, will expand a list of "scrutinized" companies where state investments can't be made because of ties to Iran.
Lamar Taylor, interim executive director and chief investment officer of the State Board of Administration, which oversees state investments, said last week that "we are on track to be able to implement that legislation by the effective date."
LOCAL NEWS
These new Florida laws take effect on January 1, 2024
miami
UPDATED ON: DECEMBER 27, 2023 / 3:37 PM EST / CBS/NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
TALLAHASSEE --- Several changes in Florida laws will take hold as 2024 begins, from an expansion of the state's "move over" traffic law to stricter rules involving investments in Iran.
State lawmakers during the 2023 regular legislative session and during special sessions approved five laws that will take effect in January.
But the arrival of 2024 also will bring other changes, from new campsite reservation rules to the end of a program that provides credits to frequent toll-road users.
Florida's 'Move Over' law expands in 2024
One of the most-visible changes is an expansion of the "move over" law, which requires drivers to get out of lanes closest to stopped vehicles such as police cars, ambulances and utility trucks.
As part of a wide-ranging transportation bill (HB 425) passed during the regular session, motorists starting Monday will have to provide space when disabled vehicles are stopped along roads with people visible or such things as warning lights on.
Violations will carry a fine of up to $158 for a noncriminal traffic infraction.
Meanwhile, a change will take effect that was passed during a November special session to show support for Israel during the war with Iran-backed Hamas.
The law (HB 5C), starting Jan. 10, will expand a list of "scrutinized" companies where state investments can't be made because of ties to Iran.
Lamar Taylor, interim executive director and chief investment officer of the State Board of Administration, which oversees state investments, said last week that "we are on track to be able to implement that legislation by the effective date."
The federal government has imposed a wide range of economic sanctions against Iran in the decades since hostages were taken at the U.S. embassy in Tehran in 1979. The Legislature during the November special session expanded on a 2007 state law that requires the State Board of Administration to divest from "scrutinized" companies with links to Iran's petroleum industry.
Under the expansion, companies will be added to the list if more than 10 percent of total revenues or assets are linked to Iran and involve economic sectors such as energy, manufacturing or shipping. Companies can avoid being added to the list by demonstrating "substantial action" to correct the issues flagged by the state.
SB-774: Ethics Requirements for Public Officials
A law requiring more local officials to discuss their financial dealings has already sparked a wave of resignations across the state, including in the Tampa Bay area.
Over a dozen mayors and city council members are stepping down in response to the legislation. Under the new law, these officials must fill out “Form 6,” which requires them to disclose their net worth, assets, debts, income sources over $1,000, real estate and even jewelry.
Other public officials, like the governor, lawmakers, county commissioners, school board members and sheriffs are already required by law to disclose their finances. The bill’s sponsors believe all officials should be held to the same standard.
HB-1627: Pretrial Release and Detention
This bill implements changes to Florida’s bail and pretrial detention systems by amending existing law. It tightens up pretrial release options for certain felony offenders depending on their criminal history.
It also requires the Florida Supreme Court to establish a bond schedule and prohibits lower courts from establishing lower amounts of required bail. When setting bail for a suspect, the court can choose to add on conditions in addition to money, like community service, treatment or counseling.
HB-7061: Sheriffs Providing Child Protective Investigative Services
Seven Florida counties, including Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas, allow local sheriff’s offices to handle child protective investigations.
Beginning Jan. 1, those counties must turn over those investigations to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), which currently handles those cases in the 60 other counties.
The bill also allows sheriff’s offices to transfer employees to DCF.
HB-1275: Persons with Disabilities Registry
This bill aims to address concerns over interactions between police and people with disabilities.
The “Protect Our Loved Ones” act allows law enforcement to maintain a database called the “Persons with Disabilities Registry.” It includes “individuals who have a developmental, psychological or other disability or condition that may be relevant to their interactions with law enforcement officers.”
The information contained in the registry includes and individual’s “name, contact information, personal identifying information, and disability or condition that may be relevant to interactions with law enforcement officers,” the bill’s text states.
HB-109: State Park Campsite Reservations
This bill allows Florida residents to book cabins, campsites and RV spots at state parks a month before non-residents.
Beginning Jan. 1, Florida residents can make online reservations 11 months before their desired booking date, while non-residents will have to wait until 10 months out.
Among other changes that will happen in January:
- Mayors and other elected municipal officials will have to submit more-detailed financial disclosure information about issues such as incomes, assets and liabilities. Legislators and statewide elected officials already file the more-detailed forms.
- Florida businesses will see an overall 15.1 percent decrease in workers' compensation insurance rates, though rate changes will vary for individual businesses.
- A back-to-school tax "holiday" will be held from Monday through Jan. 14. Shoppers will be able to avoid paying sales taxes on clothes that cost $100 or less, school supplies that cost $50 or less, learning aids that cost $30 or less and personal computers that cost $1,500 or less.
- Floridians will be able to start reserving campsites and cabins at state parks 11 months in advance, while non-Floridians will only be able to make reservations 10 months in advance.
- County courthouses by Monday will be required to provide lactation spaces, with some exceptions.
- As part of a law that expands eligibility for coverage in the KidCare subsidized health-insurance program, the Florida Healthy Kids Corp. will establish premium tiers based on household incomes.
- A year-long program to provide credits to frequent toll-road users will end Sunday. The program has provided 50 percent credits to motorists who use SunPass or other Florida transponders and make 35 or more toll-road trips in a month.
Related
Discover more from LockedIN Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.