Once the clock strikes 12 midnight on New Year’s Day, not only will it usher in a new year, but new laws in Florida will go in effect.Here is a breakdown of the new laws that are effective on Jan. 1, 2026:SB 158 – Coverage for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinationsSB 158 prohibits the state group insurance program from imposing any cost-sharing liability for diagnostic breast examinations and supplemental breast examinations in any contract or plan for state employee health benefits that provides coverage for diagnostic breast examinations or supplemental breast examinations. The prohibition is effective January 1, 2026, consistent with the start of the new plan year.The bill provides that if, under federal law, this prohibition would result in health savings account ineligibility under s. 223 of the Internal Revenue Code, the prohibition applies only to health savings account qualified high-deductible health plans with respect to the deductible of such a plan after the person has satisfied the minimum deductible under such plan.HB 655 – Pet insurance and wellness programsThe bill creates a regulatory framework for the oversight of pet insurance and wellness programs. It provides consumer protection and a right to rescind a policy within 30 days on issuance. SB 1808 – Refund of overpayments made by patientsThe bill requires health care practitioners, facilities, providers, and anyone who accepts payment from insurance for services rendered by health care practitioners to refund any overpayment made by the patient no later than 30 days after determining that the patient made an overpayment.Failure by a health care practitioner to refund overpayments leads to disciplinary action.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —
Once the clock strikes 12 midnight on New Year’s Day, not only will it usher in a new year, but new laws in Florida will go in effect.
Here is a breakdown of the new laws that are effective on Jan. 1, 2026:
SB 158 – Coverage for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations
SB 158 prohibits the state group insurance program from imposing any cost-sharing liability for diagnostic breast examinations and supplemental breast examinations in any contract or plan for state employee health benefits that provides coverage for diagnostic breast examinations or supplemental breast examinations. The prohibition is effective January 1, 2026, consistent with the start of the new plan year.
The bill provides that if, under federal law, this prohibition would result in health savings account ineligibility under s. 223 of the Internal Revenue Code, the prohibition applies only to health savings account qualified high-deductible health plans with respect to the deductible of such a plan after the person has satisfied the minimum deductible under such plan.
HB 655 – Pet insurance and wellness programs
The bill creates a regulatory framework for the oversight of pet insurance and wellness programs. It provides consumer protection and a right to rescind a policy within 30 days on issuance.
SB 1808 – Refund of overpayments made by patients
The bill requires health care practitioners, facilities, providers, and anyone who accepts payment from insurance for services rendered by health care practitioners to refund any overpayment made by the patient no later than 30 days after determining that the patient made an overpayment.
Failure by a health care practitioner to refund overpayments leads to disciplinary action.