TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – This year, over 200 new Florida laws were approved as part of the latest Legislative session.
While the vast majority of these laws have already taken effect, there are a select few that are set to kick off starting on New Year’s Day.
Only three of these new laws will go into effect in full. However, a couple of other new laws that already took effect will have some of their provisions finally take effect, as well.
The list of laws set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, is as follows:
HB 255 — Animal Cruelty Database
House Bill 255 establishes harsher penalties for animal cruelty, which includes intentionally torturing an animal to death.
While the legislation first kicked off in July, the law requires the FDLE to post a searchable database on its website as of Jan. 1, 2026, with the names of those who have been convicted of animal cruelty.
Dubbed “Dexter’s Law,” the legislation was brought about after a shelter dog named “Dexter” was adopted and later found beheaded in Fort DeSoto Park.
HB 655 — Pet Insurance
House Bill 655 amends state statutes to include pet insurance in the definition of “property insurance.”
More specifically, the law includes coverage for accidents involving pets or when pets fall ill.
The law also seeks a myriad of changes to disclosure requirements and regulations, such as mandating that pet insurance agents avoid misrepresenting wellness programs as pet insurance.
SB 158 — Breast Examinations
Senate Bill 158 prohibits the state group insurance program from imposing any cost-sharing liability for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations in health benefit plans/contracts for state workers.
SB 944 — Insurance Claims
Senate Bill 944 reduces the timeframe for a health insurer or HMO to submit claims to a licensed psychologist.
More specifically, the law reduces that timeframe from 30 months to 12 months.
The law first took effect on July 1, though it applies to claims for services provided starting on Jan. 1, 2026.
SB 1808 — Patient Refunds
Senate Bill 1808 requires health care practitioners to refund a patient’s overpayment within 30 days.
Failure to do so can incur fines of up to $500.
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