TALLAHASSEE, FL \u2014 From healthcare bills to pet protection, four new Florida laws will take effect on January 1st. Lawmakers say the goal is to put more power in the hands of consumers this year.<\/p>\n
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW ON HOW IT WILL IMPACT YOU:<\/p>\n
New Florida laws kick in, affecting healthcare, pets, and criminal records<\/p>\n
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:<\/p>\n
On January 1st\u2026 four new Florida laws take effect \u2014 quietly, but with big implications for everyday Floridians. First, SB 158. It\u2019ll remove cost barriers for state workers who need follow-up breast cancer screening.\u00a0 If a test is medically necessary \u2014 like extra imaging or a diagnostic exam \u2014 the state insurance plan can\u2019t charge copays or deductibles. <\/p>\n
Rep. Representative Gallop\u00a0Franklin II\u00a0(D) Tallahassee\u201cOftentimes our state employees are overworked and underpaid, and so it’s so important that we understand that we have to have healthy people servicing our folks here in Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another change: SB 1808. It requires healthcare providers to refund patients within 30 days if they\u2019ve been overcharged. Providers that miss the deadline could face disciplinary action or fines.<\/p>\n
Sen. Colleen Burton (R) Winter Haven \u201cIt is my position that that is that Floridians money and that Floridians should be reimbursed their money at the earliest possible date.\u201d<\/p>\n
Then there\u2019s\u00a0HB 655, which sets new consumer rules for pet insurance. Companies must be upfront about what\u2019s covered, how claims get paid, and give pet owners time to cancel a policy for a refund.\u00a0 The law also cracks down on misleading sales and hidden requirements. <\/p>\n
Rep. Kaylee Tuck (R) Sebring \u201cThis bill creates an efficient and effective regulatory framework for pet insurance that benefits consumers, empowers regulators, and ensures the marketplace operates fairly.\u201d<\/p>\n
And finally, HB 255 \u2014 increasing penalties for aggravated animal cruelty\u2026 and launching a public animal abuser database.\u00a0 It\u2019ll list people convicted of serious abuse so shelters and rescues can check before adopting pets out. <\/p>\n
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), Florida, \u201cMaking sure that shelters and the public have a right to be made reasonably aware of individuals convicted of animal cruelty in their community.\u201d<\/p>\n
From healthcare bills to pet protection\u2026 lawmakers say the goal is to put more power in the hands of consumers next year.\u00a0 But as always, implementation and enforcement will determine how effective Florida\u2019s new laws really are.<\/p>\n
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