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NewsNBC 6 South FloridaJune 30, 2026Miami-Dade

11 New Florida Laws Taking Effect July 1

This article outlines 11 new Florida laws effective July 1, covering changes to criminal sentencing, school curriculum, airport naming rights, and local government environmental policies. These measures range from new traffic offender designations to requirements for cursive writing instruction in public schools.

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Why It Matters

These laws change legal penalties for traffic and sex crimes, alter school curriculum requirements, restrict local government environmental policies, and impact utility cost protections for residents.

Key Facts

  • HB 35 creates a 'habitual traffic offender' designation for drivers with three or more specific convictions in 5 years, making subsequent offenses third-degree felonies.
  • HB 445 (Missy's Law) revokes bond for individuals convicted of dangerous crimes like arson, kidnapping, and homicide while awaiting sentencing.
  • HB 1159 increases penalties for child sex-related crimes and creates a life felony for aggravated exploitation of a child under 12.
  • HB 919 renames Palm Beach International Airport to 'President Donald J. Trump International Airport' and restricts local governments from renaming other major state airports.
  • SB 182 requires public schools to teach cursive writing from 3rd to 5th grade and display pictures of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
  • HB 1279 allows school districts to provide pay incentives to high-performing teachers in low-performing schools without collective bargaining.
  • SB 484 prevents data centers from passing increased power costs to other utility customers and mandates an economic impact study.
  • HB 1217 prohibits local governments from implementing net-zero greenhouse gas emission policies or funding programs that advance them.
  • SB 428 expands the state Swimming Lesson Voucher Program eligibility to children aged one to seven.
  • HB 1201 requires schools to display posters detailing seizure response protocols.
  • HB 33 designates specific roads in Miami-Dade and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea after Charlie Kirk and Donald Trump.

Who's Mentioned

personIsaiah Raposa“Motorcyclist whose death inspired HB 35.”personCharlie Kirk“Conservative activist for whom a road is being named.”personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who signed the bills into law.”personMissy Mogle“Child whose death inspired HB 445.”organizationFederal Aviation Administration“Must approve the renaming of Palm Beach International Airport.”personDonald Trump“Former President whose name is being applied to an airport and a boulevard.”