Laws taking effect in Florida on July 1
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More than a hundred laws passed during this year's legislative session will take effect when the calendar flips to July 1.
Why it matters: The laws reach into wallets, classrooms and neighborhoods — shielding ratepayers from data center utility costs, changing graduation requirements and preempting local power over gas-powered leaf blowers.
- Here's what to know.
House Bill 1471 allows the state to label certain groups "domestic terrorists organizations," opening the door to criminal penalties for members and expulsion for college students who promote them.
- The bill has drawn criticism from free speech advocates, who warned it could have a "chilling effect" on student protesters.
🚜 No limits on leaf blowers: Senate Bill 290 will prevent counties and cities from adopting or enforcing any ordinance that restricts the use of gasoline-powered farm or landscape equipment.
- Naples and Miami Beach had introduced such policies, citing concerns about noise and pollution, but they faced pushback from lawn care agencies that complained about the cost of switching to electric equipment.
🐾 Pet buyer protections: Senate Bill 1004 requires pet sellers to provide veterinary records and lets buyers cancel financing and return a dog or cat if the animal is found unfit for purchase because of illness.
🥁 No more P.E. for Band kids: House Bill 453 allows high school students to use two years of marching band to satisfy physical education and performing arts requirements for graduation.
⚡ Data center costs: Senate Bill 484 directs state utility regulators to create rules aimed at keeping data centers' electric and water costs from being passed on to other consumers.
🚢 Cruise ship limits: Senate Bill 302 blocks plans for cruise ship operations near the southern end of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Manatee County.