Over 30 New Florida Laws Taking Effect October 1

What Businesses Need to Know

As we move into a new fiscal year businesses need to be aware of new legislation that might affect them.  While not technically a “new” law, on October 1, 2024, the State of Florida minimum wage increased by $1 per hour from $12 to $13 on its way ultimately to $15 an hour in 2026. This increase is a result of a change in the State of Florida Constitution approved by Florida voters in 2020 to stair step increases up to $15 an hour by October 1, 2026. The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Division highlights other House and Senate bills below that might have an impact on your business:

• HB 549 – Theft Crimes: New law cracks down on theft crimes in Florida. Under this law, penalties for retail theft become much harsher, and new punishments are laid out for porch pirates. Read more here: HB 549 Discussion

• HB 1365 — Public Camping and Sleeping: prohibits county governments from allowing people to regularly camp or sleep on public properties, buildings, or rights of way — unless the county designates a property for that purpose. Read more here: HB 1365 Discussion

• SB 532 – Securities: amends the Securities and Investor Protection Act to improve investor protection through the Securities Guaranty Fund and providing more opportunities for investment within the state. The changes were recommended by a Florida task force that was aimed at increasing the ability of small businesses in the state to raise capital. Read more here: SB 532 Discussion

• SB 1628 — Local Governments: requires that local governments complete a business impact statement before adopting any comprehensive plan amendment or land development regulation. These statements will have to include the following information: Estimate of the direct economic impact; Estimate of compliance costs for businesses; Identification of new charges and fees; Estimate of the county/city’s regulatory costs; Estimate of the number of businesses that would be impacted. Read more here: SB 1628 Discussion

• HB 1049— Flood Disclosure in the Sale of Real Property: aims to require residential property sellers to provide a flood disclosure to a buyer. This disclosure would have to be provided by the time the sales contract is executed, and it would need to have the following details: The form’s title must be labeled “FLOOD DISCLOSURE;” A flood insurance policy disclaimer must be provided stating, “Flood Insurance: Homeowners’ insurance policies do not include coverage for damage resulting from floods. Buyer is encouraged to discuss the need to purchase separate flood insurance coverage with Buyer’s insurance agent;” The seller must state whether he or she has filed a claim with an insurance provider relating to flood damage on the property; and The seller must state whether he or she has received federal assistance for flood damage to the property. Read more here: HB 1049 Discussion

• HB 1171 – Schemes to Defraud: amends the state rules regarding fraud offenses. The law reclassifies certain fraud cases that are committed against those 65 years old or above, minors, or people with a mental/physical disability. Under the law, such offenses will face steeper penalties, with first-degree misdemeanors being upgraded to third-degree felonies and first-degree felonies being upgraded to a life felony. In addition, the law allows anyone whose image was used in a fraud scheme to recover any damages caused due to the use of their image in the scheme. Read more here: HB 1171 Discussion
• HB 1773 – Child Care Tax Credit: Established a three year tax credit program capped at $5 million annually to provide employers with incentives to offer child care either on premise or as a payment to workers to offset child care costs. While effective July 1, 2024, employer sign up for the program begins October 1, 2024. Read more here: Employer Child Care Tax Credits and Guide to Florida Child Care Tax Credits