05/31/2026
📋 Florida is approaching 100 new laws signed in 2026, with Governor DeSantis adding nine more to the books this week covering a wide range of issues affecting everyday Floridians.
Some of the most notable changes include tougher domestic violence penalties for repeat offenders, with relocation assistance for victims also increasing from $1,500 to $2,500 per claim. Judges will now also be allowed to consider threats against a family pet and active military protective orders when deciding whether to grant an injunction. Additionally, nursing graduates will be required to complete a two-hour human trafficking awareness course before sitting for their licensing exam.
Two laws took effect immediately. House Bill 915 permanently codifies the Working People with Disabilities Program, which allows adults with developmental disabilities who are employed to maintain higher income and asset limits while staying on Medicaid. Senate Bill 1434 removes certain local government hurdles for infill redevelopment on qualifying parcels in urban areas, aiming to speed up housing construction in already-developed zones. Most of the other seven new laws take effect July 1 and cover everything from estate administration and Alzheimer's awareness initiatives to office surgical suite safety standards and expanded redevelopment rules for historic African American cemeteries 🏛️.
