CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY The State will prohibit counties and municipalities from allowing camping or sleeping on public property without the Florida Department of Children and Families’ approval. This certification, if granted, would designate specific public properties for camping for a period of one year.
LIVE HEALTHY Senate President Kathleen Passidomo’s top priority was signed by the Governor on March 21st. The package included increased Medicaid reimbursements for expectant mothers and babies; expansion of home and community-based health services; 500 new paid residency slots to address workforce shortages; and appropriations for medical education and a health care innovation fund. One additional bill reduces the wait list for persons with disabilities to access services.
THEFT Penalties, fines and definitions of theft will change because of the Governor’s signature on this bill. The bill will not go into effect until October 1st.
PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND VICTIMS OF CRIME Florida’s child welfare system will experience some changes with the approval of this bill. It primarily adjusts the role and operations of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office.
TOWING Towing and storage operators must maintain a rate sheet listing all fees related to vehicle or vessel recovery, removal, or storage. The listing must be posted at places of business and websites, as well as be provided upon request to vehicle or vessel owners, lienholders, insurance companies, or their agents. Other regulations for lien processes and operator practices are also part of these reforms.
GAMING The State and the Seminole Tribe of Florida reached an agreement regarding the allocation of funds from the Gaming Compact for environmental resource management, including conservation lands, resiliency initiatives and clean water projects. Funding for land acquisition to the Florida Wildlife Corridor and local trails will be available as well.
PROPERTY RIGHTS New requirements are in place for removing unauthorized occupants of residential property by submitting a verified complaint to the sheriff. Property owners can request sheriff assistance. Civil remedies for wrongful removal and criminal penalties for unlawful detention, occupation or trespassing are also in place.
LOST OR ABANDONED PROPERTY Law enforcement now have new timeframes to notify owners of lost or abandoned property such as boats in state waters.
WINE CONTAINERS Wine can now be sold in individual glass containers holding 4.5 liters, 6 liters, 9 liters, 12 liters or 15 liters, in addition to the already permitted reusable containers holding 5.16 gallons. Free the grapes!
Other bills that were approved by the Governor covered the following topics:
Spaceport Territory
Purple Alert
Historical Preservation Programs
Reading Achievement Initiative for Scholastic Excellence Program
Short-Acting Bronchodilator Use in Public and Private Schools
Citizen Volunteer Advisory Committees
In-Store Servicing of Alcoholic Beverages
Florida Retirement System
Alternative Headquarters for District Court Judges
Disclosure of Grant Jury Testimony
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Training for Law Enforcement Officers
Reclassification of Criminal Penalties
Return of Weapons and Arms Following an Arrest
DNA Samples from Inmates
Emergency Refills of Insulin and Insulin-Related Supplies or Equipment
Military Leave
Florida State Guard
Marne Encroachment on Military Operations
Employment of Individuals with Disabilities
Motor Vehicle Parking on Private Property
Swimming Lesson Voucher Program