As we soon enter next month, a slate of new legislation will take effect across Florida. Keep scrolling to learn about five new laws beginning on July 1st, 2025, covering topics like state parks, school start times and fluoride in public water systems.
And if you’re looking for legislative information on bills, statutes and more in the Sunshine State, visit the official Online Sunshine website. Laws taking effect on July 1st include:
1. SB 700: The Florida Farm Bill
This bill makes a number of changes to laws relating to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, such as farmer protections, the labeling of plant-based products as milk or meat, Florida’s concealed weapon licensing process and restricting the use of drones over agricultural land, among other things. Most notably, it bans local governments from using certain additives in their water systems, such as fluoride. The passage of this bill makes Florida the second state in the country to ban the use of the mineral in public water, following Utah. You can read more about this here.
2. HB 209: State Park Protections
Also known as the State Park Preservation Act, this legislation aims to protect Florida’s state parks and their natural landscapes from developers. It prohibits the construction of facilities like golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts, ball fields and lodging establishments (like hotels). It also requires public hearings for all updates to land management plans. You can read more about it here.
3. HB 351: Dangerous Speeding
Beginning on July 1, drivers exceeding the speed limit by 50 mph or hitting 100 mph in a way that “threatens the safety of other persons or property” will be charged with a new crime. First-time violators could receive up to 30 days in jail and a fine of $500. Subsequent convictions can lead up to 90 days and a fine of $1,000. You can learn more about that here.
4. SB 296: Middle and High School Start Times
Back in 2023, a Florida law required school districts to start classes no earlier than 8 a.m. for middle school and 8:30 a.m. for high school. This was supposed to begin on July 1st, 2026. But under the SB 296, a district would be deemed in compliance by instead submitting a report to the state with strategies considered to implement the later start times and identification of any unintended consequences to the district, students and community. The report would have to be sent by June 1, 2026 and these exceptions are set to go into effect on July 1st of this year. You can learn more about this here.
5. SB 322: Squatting Law
Following a similar law last year for homeowners, Senate Bill 322 allows owners of commercial properties like an apartment complex or office building to remove squatters by getting the sheriff’s office involved. Deputies would be able to remove the unwanted person without a lengthy court proceeding, upon verifying a complaint form submitted by the owners. You can read more about this law here.