As 2024 begins, Florida has enacted several significant new laws that address a wide range of issues. From law enforcement procedures to public officials’ financial transparency, these new laws could affect you or someone you know. In this blog post, we’ll delve into these 6 new laws, providing an in-depth summary of each one. These new laws reflect the state’s commitment to enhancing safety, justice, and transparency for its residents.

NEW FLORIDA LAWS FOR 2024:

1. SB 784- The “Protect Our Loved Ones Act”

2. SB 1534- Pretrial Release and Detention

3. SB 7056- Child Protection Investigations

4. SB 76- Revised Campsite Rules

5. HB 425- Expansion of the Move Over Law

6. SB 774- Financial Transparency for Public Officials

SB 784- The “Protect Our Loved Ones Act”

SB 784, known as the “Protect Our Loved Ones Act” is a new law that to improve interactions between law enforcement officers and individuals with developmental, psychological, or other disabilities.

It authorizes local law enforcement agencies to create and maintain a database called the “Special Persons Registry”.

This registry will list individuals who may have conditions like autism spectrum disorder, Downs Syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, or other dementia-related disorders.

SB 1534- Pretrial Release and Detention

SB 1534 is a new law that addresses the setting of bail for individuals awaiting trial. It specifies that only a judge can set, reduce, or alter an individual’s bail.

The law also mandates the Florida Supreme Court to create and regularly update a statewide uniform bail bond schedule for certain offenses. Moreover, it prohibits judges from establishing local bond schedules with lower amounts than those determined by the Supreme Court.

Additionally, SB 1534 outlines circumstances in which a defendant cannot be released ahead of an initial hearing, such as individuals on pretrial release probation, sexual offenders, and repeat felony offenders.

This new law aims to ensure a fair and consistent approach to pretrial release and detention across the state.

SB 7056- Child Protection Investigations

SB 7056 transfers control of child protection investigations from seven Florida counties to the state’s Department of Children and Families (DCF).

The Broward Sheriff’s Office is among the seven counties affected by this change. Starting from January 1, 2024, DCF will handle all child abuse investigations in the state.

Previously these seven counties managed their own child protection investigations. While DCF will now oversee these cases statewide, certain sheriffs will still retain custody of specific files and documents.

This shift in responsibility aims to improve the consistency and effectiveness of child protection efforts in Florida.

SB 76- Revised Campsite Rules

SB 76 introduces changes to campsite reservation rules for Florida residents and non-residents at state parks. Under this law, the Division of Recreation and Parks of the Department of Environmental Protection must allow both residents and non-residents to make reservations within specified timeframes.

Florida residents gain a distinct advantage in this new law, as they can reserve campsites one month earlier than non-residents. To qualify for this early reservation privilege, Florida residents must provide proof of residency.

This allows Florida residents to secure campsites at state parks 11 months in advance, while non-residents can only make reservations 10 months ahead. This new law is designed to accommodate the preferences and needs of Florida residents while ensuring fairness to all.

HB 425- Expansion of the Move Over Law

Governor DeSantis signed HB 425 as a new law expansion of the existing Move Over Law. The expansion includes all disabled vehicles that display hazard lights, emergency flares, or signage. The law’s primary goal is to enhance roadside safety and prevent accidents involving disabled vehicles.

Under this expansion, drivers are required to move over at least one lane when approaching a disabled vehicle on the side of the road.

If it is impossible to change lanes safely, drivers must reduce their speed by 20 MPH below the posted speed limit. Violators of this law could face fines starting at $60.

Previously, the Move Over Law applied to law enforcement and emergency vehicles. With the new law extension, it will now encompasses all disabled vehicles, further prioritizing the safety of motorists and first responders.

SB 774- Financial Transparency for Public Officials

SB 774 introduces increased transparency requirements for public officials, including mayors and elected officials in municipalities. These officials will now be required to fill out a “Form 6”, disclosing all sources of income exceeding $1,000.

The law also mandates commissioners of community redevelopment agencies to complete annual ethics training and requires specific local officers and members of the Commission on Ethics to file full and public disclosures.

This measure aligns with the existing requirement for county and state elected officials to disclose their financial interests.

New Laws Affect South Florida

Florida’s new laws for 2024 reflect the state’s commitment to various aspects of governance, safety, and justice.

These new laws address critical issues such as law enforcement interactions with individuals with disabilities, pretrial release and detention procedures, child protection investigations, campsite reservations, roadside safety, and financial transparency for public officials.

As the year progresses, these new laws will surely shape the state’s policies and practices and affect us all down here in South Florida. Hopefully, these laws will contribute to a safer, more transparent, and fair Florida for all its residents and visitors.

Fischetti Law Group wishes you a happy and fruitful 2024. Have a question about estate planning or personal injury law? Call or text 833-MIKE-247 for a free legal consultation.