Several laws will come into effect in Florida in the new year, ranging from new financial disclosure forms for local officials to stricter highway laws for disabled vehicles.
Many new rules will become law in Florida on Jan. 1, 2024, and in the following weeks, which were passed during the state's regular legislative session at the beginning of 2023 and during the special session in November. Here is a look at some of the most notable laws going into effect.
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Financial disclosures for local officials
Beginning on Jan. 1 local officials, including mayors and people on city, county, and district boards, will have to file more detailed financial disclosures to the state, which would require them to share their net worth, liabilities, income sources, and assets, in a more in-depth form that state legislators and state-wide elected officials already have to file.
The measure passed overwhelmingly in the state House and Senate during the first legislative session and was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) in May.
Expansion of the 'Move Over' law
Another law going into effect on Jan. 1 is an expansion to the state's "move over" law, which requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed by 20 mph less than the speed limit if there is an emergency, utility, or construction vehicle.
The new law now requires drivers to "move over" if there is a disabled vehicle with people in it or with its hazard lights flashing. The bill was approved unanimously in both chambers during the first legislative session and was signed into law by DeSantis in June.
Expansion of state 'scrutinized' companies
A law taking effect on Jan. 10 expands the criteria for a "scrutinized" company with which the state cannot do business. The expansion of the criteria has to do with further restrictions on companies tied to Iran.
The law was passed overwhelmingly in both chambers during the special session in November and signed into law by DeSantis later that month.
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Other laws
Among the bevy of laws going into effect in the new year is a law allowing police to create a database of people "who have developmental, psychological, or other disabilities or conditions that may be relevant to their interactions with law enforcement officers," along with a law allowing Florida residents to book state park cabins and campsites up to 11 months in advance or 10 months in advance for non-Florida residents.