TALLAHASSEE, Fla. \u2013 As Florida gears up for its next Legislative session, lawmakers are already busy crafting bills to be considered.<\/p>\n
On Monday, five more of these new bills were filed, meaning these proposals could become law if approved next year.<\/p>\n
These latest bills deal with issues like swimming pool safety, hairstyle discrimination, and even a new license plate design for drivers to pick from.<\/p>\n
All five of these new bills are as follows:<\/p>\n
SB 244<\/a> \u2014 Swimming Pools<\/p>\n Senate Bill 244 would require residential swimming pools \u2014 regardless of the year built \u2014 to be equipped with at least one of the following pool safety features:<\/p>\n Equipped with an approved safety pool cover<\/p>\n A proper exit alarm on all doors and windows that lead out to the pool<\/p>\n A self-closing, self-latching device on all doors leading out to the pool, with a release mechanism no lower than 54 inches above the floor<\/p>\n A swimming pool alarm that sounds off upon accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water<\/p>\n Furthermore, a home inspector would be required to report any violations of these rules to law enforcement, which could lead to a second-degree misdemeanor charge.<\/p>\n If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026.<\/p>\n However, the new safety-feature rule would be applied to residential pools sold on or after Oct. 1, 2026.<\/p>\n SB 246<\/a> \u2014 License Plates (UFC)<\/p>\n Senate Bill 246 would establish a new specialty license plate geared around the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).<\/p>\n The word \u201cFlorida\u201d would have to appear at the top of the plate, with the words \u201cUFC Lives Here\u201d being printed at the bottom.<\/p>\n Annual-use fees from plate sales would then go to the UFC Foundation, which could use most of the funds to support charities and nonprofits like children\u2019s hospitals, youth mentorship programs, and support for military and first responders.<\/p>\n If approved, the bill would take effect on Oct. 1, 2026.<\/p>\n SB 248<\/a> \u2014 Public Records (Local Clerks)<\/p>\n Senate Bill 248 seeks a public records exemption for municipal clerks and their staff.<\/p>\n This exemption would apply to personal details like home addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, places of work for any spouses or children.<\/p>\n If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026.<\/p>\n