These Florida laws go into effect Jan. 1
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Gov. Ron DeSantis signed hundreds of laws this year, and when the calendar flips to 2025, a handful are set to take effect.
Why it matters: These laws redefine how minors in Florida access social media, as well as how residents manage their voter registration and engage with law enforcement.
- Here are three to look out for.
HB 3: No one under 14 is allowed to have a social media account. The law tacks on fines and levies civil liabilities on platforms that refuse to terminate the accounts of those below the age limit.
- Websites that feature material that the state deems "harmful to minors," such as sexual content, must also implement age verification to block access to those under 18.
- Two internet industry groups filed a federal lawsuit against the law, arguing it violates the First Amendment.
HB 135: Voters must give written consent when they want to change their political affiliation.
- The law aims to correct a software glitch at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which swapped some voters' political affiliations without their knowledge.
SB 184: This law makes it a second-degree misdemeanor for a person to come within 25 feet of a first responder, including a police officer, if the intent is to impede, threaten or harass them.
- The law defines harassment as an action that causes "emotional distress" to a first responder through willful conduct without a legitimate purpose.
- Peaceful audio or video recording, photographing, or observing a first responder is considered a legitimate purpose and not harassment.