TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A majority of laws dealing with crime and public safety in Florida are going into effect Thursday. <\/p>\n
Meg\u2019s Law, which targets criminals who sell addictive drugs, takes effect Thursday and adds a tranquilizer drug to a list of drugs that cannot be advertised like candy or gummies that target young people.<\/p>\n
There are refreshed statutes for adults exposing themselves to a minor, making it a third-degree felony even if a person claims a child did not notice. <\/p>\n
Starting Thursday, there is an expanded definition of who can be counted as a gang member.<\/p>\n
Firing a weapon within 1,000 feet of a school is now a second-degree felony and anyone arrested for doing so must be held until their first appearance.<\/p>\n
More Tallahassee news:<\/p>\n
One of the biggest bills going into effect Thursday deals with animal cruelty.<\/p>\n
Starting Thursday there is a new felony for people who abuse animals around a minor and a psych evaluation is required for anyone ages 18 years old or younger who commits animal cruelty.<\/p>\n
There is also a big jump in how much local animal control can fine people. <\/p>\n
Starting Jan. 1, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will start posting names of animal abusers.<\/p>\n
It isn\u2019t just penalties and regulations going into effect at the start of October. <\/p>\n
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles begins its rollout of new specialty license plates Thursday, including an endless summer one for motorcycles.<\/p>\n
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