Florida's new laws beginning July 1 & state Medicaid spending for undocumented immigrants drops
June 27, 2024 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Here’s the latest from Florida…
New Florida laws take effect July 1
As Florida enters its 2024-2025 fiscal year on July 1, nearly 200 new laws from the 2024 Legislative Session will take effect, accompanied by a $116.5 billion budget. The new measures cover a wide range of issues, from public safety to education and employment. Here are several key laws that will be implemented beginning on July 1:
HB 21: Allocates $20 million in financial compensation for abuse victims of the closed Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys and another reform school in Okeechobee County.
HB 49: Relaxes work hour restrictions for 16- and 17-year-olds, allowing parents and school superintendents to waive the 30-hour weekly limit during school sessions. Teens can work up to eight hours on school days, with exceptions for Sundays and holidays, and between 6:30 AM and 11 PM on nights before school days.
HB 117: Permits the release of grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein if certain conditions are met.
HB 197: Requires the state to suspend the licenses of massage therapists or establishments if any employee is arrested for charges related to kidnapping, human trafficking, or prostitution.
HB 201: Allows pharmacists to provide up to three nonconsecutive emergency insulin refills without prescriber authorization.
HB 271: Mandates private parking facilities to clearly display their rules and rates at lot entrances.
HB 275: Introduces new offenses for tampering with or damaging critical infrastructure, including fences, generators, and energy plants, with potential criminal and civil penalties.
HB 305: Enhances evidence admissibility in minor sex abuse cases and increases penalties for sex trafficking of minors, requiring offenders to register as sex offenders on their first conviction.
HB 321: Bans the intentional release of balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gas. Violators could be fined $150.
SB 330: Establishes behavioral health teaching hospitals affiliated with universities to address mental health treatment issues.
HB 385: Allows courts to mandate the use of neutral exchange locations at sheriff's offices for child custody exchanges.
HB 415: Instructs the Florida Department of Health to create a website with information and resources for pregnancy and parenting.
HB 433: Prohibits local governments from imposing higher wage requirements or heat-exposure protections on contractors.
HB 461: Excuses women from jury duty if they have given birth within six months before the reporting date.
HB 487: Changes the notification period for law enforcement to inform owners about abandoned or lost property, derelict vessels, or public nuisance vessels.
SB 544: Requires the Department of Health to create a network of facilitators to join a swimming lesson voucher program.
HB 601: Limits citizen review boards from investigating police misconduct, transferring authority to state control.
HB 621: Allows immediate arrest of squatters and facilitates quicker home reclamation for homeowners if a complaint is filed. It also establishes penalties for those engaged in squatting.
HB 623: Mandates builders provide a one-year warranty for newly constructed homes, covering defects that violate Florida’s Building Code.
HB 775: Extends the state’s “Safe Haven Law,” increasing the age at which a baby can be surrendered from seven to 30 days old. Infants can be surrendered at hospitals, fire stations, and EMS stations.
HB 917: Permits 16- and 17-year-olds to work in home construction with proper OSHA certification, excluding certain high-risk activities, and requires supervision.
HB 919: Requires political ads created with AI to include a disclaimer.
HB 931: Authorizes school districts to allow volunteer school chaplains.
HB 1029: Expands the My Safe Florida Home program to condo owners, providing grants for hurricane-readiness upgrades, with a $30 million budget allocation.
SB 968: Designates areas at Tyndall Air Force Base and former Homestead Air Force Base as "spaceport territory."
SB 1264: Requires teaching the history of communism in public schools starting in the 2026-2027 school year.
HB 1291: Excludes identity politics from college and university teacher-preparation programs.
HB 1503: Allows surplus lines carriers to insure non-homesteaded properties from Citizens Property Insurance Corp.
HB 1645: Repeals certain state greenhouse gas regulations, bans offshore wind turbines, promotes natural gas expansion, and reduces gas pipeline regulations.
SB 1764: Increases penalties for “street takeover” participants.
SB 7002: Permits school districts to publish budget adoption notices on their websites instead of in newspapers.
SB 7028: Allocates $200 million to continue the My Safe Florida Home program, aiding residents in storm-proofing their homes.
SB 7032: Offers tuition and fee waivers for high-school dropouts pursuing diplomas and workforce credentials at state colleges.
HB 7063: Prohibits individuals under 21 from working in adult entertainment establishments.
Florida's Medicaid spending on undocumented immigrants plummets
A recent analysis reveals that Medicaid expenditures for undocumented immigrants in Florida have significantly decreased since Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law last year requiring hospitals to inquire about patients' immigration status. The state's Emergency Medical Assistance program for illegal immigrants has seen a 54% drop in expenditures billed to Medicaid this year, totaling $67 million as of May 3. While the law doesn't compel patients to disclose their status, immigrant rights groups fear it may deter migrants from seeking medical attention. The DeSantis administration attributes the decrease to the success of his immigration crackdown, but critics argue it may have negative consequences, such as pregnant women avoiding hospitals during labor. Data analyzed by POLITICO shows federal Medicaid spending toward emergency services for undocumented immigrants in Florida was on a downward trend, with expenditures totaling $171.4 million in 2022 and $148.4 million in 2023. About half of this spending goes toward pregnant women in labor.
$17B Disney World development plan approved
A $17 billion development agreement for Disney World has received final approval, promising significant economic growth for the region. Following a unanimous vote by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board, the approval of the 15-year plan allows the entertainment giant to pursue new construction and investment over the next 10 to 20 years for the 17,300 acres of Walt Disney World Resort. The development agreement allows for infrastructure projects, affordable housing funding, expanded hotel, retail, and office space, and possibly a fifth theme park – additions that will boost tourism and job creation. The deal includes a “buy local initiative,” which is a commitment by the company to allocate half of construction funds to Florida businesses. The progress achieved through this agreement signals a softening in the tensions between Disney and Gov. DeSantis, stemming from the company’s opposition to the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which restricts classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Supreme Court upholds anti-riot law
The Florida Supreme Court has upheld the state's anti-riot law, stating that peaceful protesters are not threatened by the measure. Enacted in 2021, the law was championed by Gov. DeSantis and aimed to crack down on widespread violent demonstrations following the 2020 death of George Floyd. Civil rights groups had challenged the law's constitutionality, arguing it could criminalize peaceful protesters when demonstrations turn riotous. The Court rejected arguments that the law was ambiguous, finding that the law does not apply “to a person who is present at a violent protest, but neither engages in, nor intends to assist others in engaging in, violent and disorderly conduct.” The decision will now be remanded to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to decide on whether to overturn the previous injunction against the law.
Florida voters to decide on lower property taxes in November
Homeowners might see lower property taxes thanks to House Bill 7019, signed by Gov. DeSantis this week and now on the November ballot as Amendment 5. If 60% of voters approve the measure, the homestead exemption will rise consistent with the inflation rate, easing tax burdens on homeowners. Currently, the state grants homeowners a $50,000 homestead exemption on their primary residence, lowering the assessed tax value of the property. Amendment 5 aims to counter inflation by delivering tax savings that would be affixed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on top of the existing $50,000 exemption. Critics argue the added exemption would shift the tax burden to non-property owners such as renters and lead to reduced revenues for local governments, potentially affecting essential services. If voters approve Amendment 5 in November, the state has allocated funds to support rural counties that could face significant revenue losses.
DeSantis vetoes slow left-lane driving bill, signs bear killing law
Gov. DeSantis has vetoed HB 317, a bill aimed at cracking down on slow left-lane driving on highways, citing concerns that it could lead to unnecessary traffic stops and increased congestion. The bill would have imposed a $158 penalty on drivers who failed to keep right unless they were actively passing, exiting, turning, or following traffic directions in the left lane. The governor said the legislation was “too broad” and could result in drivers being stopped, ticketed, or fined by law enforcement even if they were not hindering traffic flow by operating in the left lane. In addition, DeSantis also signed a controversial bill on Friday, allowing individuals to kill bears in self-defense or to protect their property. The new law, HB 87, provides a framework similar to the state's "Stand Your Ground" defense and requires individuals to report bear killings to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission within 24 hours. Anyone who shoots or kills a bear may not keep or sell the bear carcass, nor would legal immunity extend to them if a bear is lured onto their property. Advocates for the legislation argue that Floridians are entitled to protect themselves and their property, but opponents fear it could increase fatalities among a species that was previously considered threatened.
Florida leaders invest $300M in environmental conservation
Gov. DeSantis and his cabinet have approved a $300 million investment aimed at conserving green spaces across the state, including 8,000 acres near the ecologically significant Peace River and Myakka River in the Tampa Bay region. The funding, which includes $200 million from the state and $100 million from the Seminole Tribe’s Gaming Compact, will be used for conservation easements, ensuring that ranch land remains agricultural by selling development rights to the state. Advocates celebrate the funding as necessary to support water quality, food security, and protecting wildlife habitats through the creation of wildlife corridors. However, conservationists warn that more needs to be done to keep up with the state's rapid growth and development. Currently, conservation easement applications for nearly 400,000 acres of ranch land are awaiting funding, which is estimated to cost the state $1.5 billion.
DeSantis signs controversial ethics bill, limiting investigations
Gov. DeSantis has signed a criticized bill into law that imposes restrictions on ethics investigations into state and local officials. The new law requires public corruption or ethical violation complaints to be filed under oath by individuals with personal knowledge, preventing anonymous or hearsay-based complaints. Local ethics panels can no longer launch their own independent investigations and must adhere to new uniform statewide standards. Supporters argue the changes prevent "weaponized" or politically motivated complaints, but critics say it will reduce government oversight and undermine ongoing investigations into ethical violations. The new law took effect immediately on Friday.
Residents protest electric utility rate hikes
Floridians are urging state utility regulators to reject proposed rate hikes by Duke Energy and Tampa Electric (TECO), which could significantly increase their electric bills. Many shared stories of financial strain at rare public hearings of the Public Service Commission held two weeks ago across Tampa Bay, expressing concerns about affording basic necessities amid inflation and soaring cost-of-living expenses. The proposed rate hikes would affect Duke and TECO customers by raising base rates as the utility providers cite business costs and expanded solar capacity as reasons for the needed increase. They also seek to deliver their shareholders a higher profit margin than the national average. According to the Tampa Bay Times, TECO customers had the third-highest average bill in the nation last year while Duke customers in Florida ranked fifth. This includes TECO households seeing their bills rise more than 50% between 2018 and 2023. The proposed rate increase only applies to the base rate – not to additional charges like storm hardening or restoration, fuel surcharges, nuclear cost recovery, or environmental fees for which customers will still be responsible. The governor-appointed Commission will decide on the rate hikes later this year, impacting 2.5 million residents.
DeSantis vetos bill that would soften probation violation penalties
A bill that would have reduced penalties for repeat probation violators was vetoed by Gov. DeSantis this week, citing concerns of “extra, undue” leniency afforded to offenders. HB 1241, passed unanimously by the legislature, addressed probation violations by extending 2019 reforms, requiring courts to modify–not revoke–probation for a second technical violation of their probation conditions. As long as the violation was not a new felony, misdemeanor, or criminal traffic offense, the bill would have imposed a 90-day jail cap for the first low-risk violation and 120 days for the second. DeSantis argued that this legislation would undermine the accountability of probationers who had been given alternative sanction opportunities but failed to meet probation terms after a first violation.
Florida ranks second in nation for gun sales in early 2024
A recent report from SafeHomes.org reveals that Florida ranked second in gun sales in early 2024, with 429,664 firearms sold, just behind Texas. Nationwide, nearly 5.5 million guns were purchased in the first four months of 2024. Florida, Texas, and California together accounted for 22% of these sales. Despite a national decline in gun sales last year, Florida saw a 1% increase, partly due to a new permitless concealed carry law.
New Tampa residents voice fears, concerns over gun violence
Over 150 concerned residents gathered at the New Tampa Center on Monday night to discuss recent violent shootings in the area with Tampa Police Department officials. Community members expressed fears and sought answers regarding the string of deadly shootings that have occurred since June 17th. Police Chief Lee Bercaw and City Council member Luis Viera addressed the crowd, assuring them that New Tampa remains safe, and ongoing investigations indicate the incidents were not random, involving individuals known to each other. The violence began June 17 with a fatal shooting of a 24-year-old male on Regents Park Drive. This was followed by two more fatal shootings, the discovery of a decomposing body in the area, and an early Sunday morning deadly shooting of Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio, who was among four people shot in a hotel parking lot south of the University of South Florida. There have been seven reported homicides in New Tampa over the past month. The Tampa Police Department has faced criticism from some residents over the apparent lack of presence and visibility in the community. Chief Bercaw acknowledged facing a staffing shortage but stated the department is seeking to hire 30 new police officers with grant funding.
Hillsborough State Attorney expands gun violence unit
In response to the rise of gun-related crimes, Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez announced an expansion of her office's Gun Violence Unit on Monday. This expansion will increase the number of prosecutors dedicated to this specialized team from two to five, with attorneys available 24/7 to assist law enforcement in investigating shootings and providing legal support. Lopez emphasized that the expanded unit will focus on prosecuting cases involving gun violence, ensuring that offenders face consequences for causing harm in the community.
Orlando clinic resumes hormone therapy after court ruling
After a federal judge ruled Florida's anti-transgender therapy laws unconstitutional, Orlando-based health clinic 26Health has resumed hormone therapy services. The clinic stopped providing the service last year due to the state's restrictions, which were overturned last week by a U.S. District Court judge for the Northern District of Florida. The restrictions limited the administration of hormone therapy and puberty blockers to physicians only and required a state-approved informed consent form to be supplied by patients, significantly reducing access. 26Health quickly scheduled about a dozen appointments immediately following the ruling as they anticipate summer appointments to return to levels before last year’s law was passed. The state has filed an appeal against the court's decision.
Tampa awarded $1M for electric police vehicles
The City of Tampa is set to receive a nearly $1 million federal grant to purchase up to 13 new electric police vehicles. Secured by U.S. Representative Kathy Castor, the federal funding will help reduce the City's carbon footprint, save on fuel costs, and improve air quality. This will help initiate a transition to alternative fuel vehicles in the public safety sector as the Tampa Police Department drives approximately 4.5 million miles annually, spending over $3 million on fuel. Meanwhile, the city’s public safety divisions emit a combined 7,500 metric tons of carbon emissions each year.
Port Tampa Bay plans 4th cruise terminal
Port Tampa Bay is advancing plans for a fourth cruise terminal, with commissioners approving a $500,000 design contract to Tampa-based firm HDR Engineering. The new terminal, set to be located north of Terminal 6, aims to address near-capacity issues and support the growing cruise business. Despite concerns about downtown economic impacts, including parking and waterfront access, the project received unanimous support. If approved, the new terminal could total a $80 million investment that would be funded in part by grants and private investors.
Orlando to welcome new passport agency
Orlando will soon host Florida's second passport office, eliminating the need for Central Floridians to drive four hours to Miami. Announced by U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Orlando), the new office is part of an expansion by the U.S. State Department, but a location will have to be selected, which could take up to a year. Differing from passport counters, passport offices provide the added convenience of issuing a new passport on the same day of an appointment for those with urgent or last-minute travel needs. Florida, the third-largest state by population, previously had only one passport agency.
Clearwater breaks ground on 81-unit affordable housing project
The City of Clearwater has broken ground on Clearwater Gardens, an 81-unit affordable housing project aimed at addressing the housing crisis in the area. The $32 million project, developed by Archway Partners in collaboration with the city and the Clearwater Housing Authority, will provide housing for low-income residents making between 30% and 80% of the area's median income. The project was made possible through a combination of public and private financing, including a $21 million federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and a $3 million no-interest loan from the Community Redevelopment Agency. The complex will feature amenities such as a library, fitness center, and coworking spaces, and is expected to be completed in 18 months.
New Port Richey advances $7.7M incentive deal for Aqua Harbor development
New Port Richey’s Community Redevelopment Council has greenlit negotiations for a $7.74 million incentive package with Royal Five Hospitality Inc. for the Aqua Harbor waterfront project. The mixed-use development, planned at the city's future southern entrance, includes a six-story condominium complex, an upscale hotel, and a marina at the former Magnuson Hotel site on U.S. 19 and Marine Parkway. The incentive package includes waived fees, frontage road work, and a transfer of development rights. Aqua Harbor is expected to spur economic growth, generate over $500,000 in annual property tax revenue by 2030, and align with the city's long-term revitalization goals. The development is set to break ground in October, with phased completion dates starting in 2026.
Tampa issues fines to crack down on e-bikes and e-scooters abandoned downtown
Just months ago, abandoned or improperly parked electric scooters and e-bikes dotted the sidewalks, parking garages, and pedestrian areas of Tampa – creating safety concerns and obstructions for people getting around. The electric vehicles are part of the community shared micro-mobility program operated by three private vendors in the City of Tampa, aiming to provide commuters with quick and accessible transportation across short distances between public transit stops. However, to keep the right-of-ways clear and prevent e-scooters and e-bikes from being randomly left scattered across downtown, Tampa implemented new rules that require these micromobility vehicles to be placed in designated docking stations only, or face fines. Since these rules were enacted in April, more than 2,300 fines have been issued to commuters for improper parking. Fines can reach up to $5.
Camping World Stadium sets attendance record for U.S. Soccer
Orlando’s Camping World Stadium set a Florida attendance record with 60,016 fans for the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team’s 1-1 draw against Brazil on June 12. This surpasses the previous record of 52,033 set in Jacksonville in 2014.
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