TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – With less than a month until the next Florida Legislative session kicks off, lawmakers are still filing plenty of new bills for consideration.
Last week, state lawmakers in the House of Representatives filed 93 new bills, focusing on topics like hands-free driving, left-lane camping, dangerous dogs, new specialty plates, and attempts to bring Florida down to zero net emissions.
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Below is a list of these bills and what changes they would make to state statutes:
HB 487 — Public Funds in Bitcoin
House Bill 487 would allow the state’s CFO to invest money from the General Revenue Fund, the Budget Stabilization Fund, and other state agency funds into Bitcoin.
However, the amount of public funds allowed for investment would be restricted to a maximum of 10% of the total funds for the respective account.
In addition, taxes or fees paid to the state in Bitcoin would have to be transferred to the General Revenue Fund. Under this bill, the fund would then reimburse the designated fund for the value of the Bitcoin payment in U.S. currency for such taxes or fees.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 489 — Voting Rights Database
House Bill 489 seeks to establish an online database for felons who had their voting rights restored.
The database would be aimed at helping these people determine for sure whether their voting rights were restored. Under this bill, the database would be finished and made available by July 1, 2028.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 491 — A.I. and Firearms
House Bill 491 would prohibit the use of artificial intelligence in detecting firearms in public areas.
However, the bill carves out exceptions for locations like school campuses, police stations, courthouses, airports, polling places and bars, among others.
If approved, the bill would take effect on Oct. 1.
HB 493 — Memory Care
House Bill 493 aims to remove the State Consumer Health Information and Policy Advisory Council in the Florida Center for Health Information and Transparency.
In addition, the bill sets out standard requirements for businesses that provide “memory care,” such as services for residents with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other memory disorders.
These requirements include mandates for accurate resident logs and that at least one properly trained staff member be awake at any given time.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 495 — Whistleblower Protections
House Bill 495 seeks to protect whistleblowers against retaliation from state agencies or independent contractors.
Under this bill, such employees may not be disciplined for submitting valid complaints to the Commission on Ethics, and the bill includes provisions on relief for instances where employees are punished for doing so.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 497 — Health Coverage
House Bill 497 — dubbed the “Nonprofit Agricultural Organization Health Coverage Act of 2025″ — would allow nonprofit agricultural organizations to offer health coverage to their members.
However, such coverage would not be considered insurance for purposes of the Florida Insurance Code.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 499 — Beverage Law
House Bill 499 aims to amend Florida’s Beverage Law, allowing craft breweries to sell up to 5,000 barrels of malt beverages annually to licensed vendors.
The bill also includes a variety of other regulations and guidelines for how craft breweries may operate distributions, as well as punishments for failing to abide by these rules.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 501 — Hands-Free Driving
House Bill 501 prohibits drivers from actively using handheld wireless communications devices while behind the wheel.
These devices include smartphones, cell phones, tablets, laptop computers and video games, along with other types of two-way messaging devices.
However, the bill excludes commercial two-way radios, ham radios, prescribed medical devices, and in-vehicle navigation systems.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 503 — Local Business Taxes
House Bill 503 would prohibit the total revenue generated by a local business tax each fiscal year from exceeding the established revenue base, thus avoiding the potential for exorbitant tax burdens on local businesses.
Under this bill, if the total revenue received by a local government from the local business tax in the previous fiscal year does exceed the revenue base, then the local government would have to adjust the rates accordingly and provide refunds to businesses that paid the tax. That rule would kick in on Oct. 1, 2026.
However, the bill wouldn’t apply to business taxes that are measured by gross receipts or to a county that is considered “fiscally constrained.”
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 505 — Amusement Businesses
House Bill 505 aims to prohibit local governments from requiring payment from an “amusement business owner” whose equipment is placed on agricultural land for at least six months.
However, the prohibition only applies if the agricultural land is fully fenced along the perimeter and the equipment is at least 100 feet from the fencing.
Under this bill, an “amusement business” would include circuses and carnivals that travel across the U.S. on a seasonal or temporary basis.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 507 — Public Records (Sexual Assault Counselors)
House Bill 507 would provide a public records exemption for sexual assault counselors under state law.
Details included under this exemption are home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and photographs of counselors.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 509 — Dentistry and Dental Hygiene
House Bill 509 would prohibit anyone who hasn’t graduated from an appropriate dental school or dental hygiene school from being licensed through the Mobile Opportunity by Interstate Licensure Endorsement Act.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 511 — Child Abuse Investigations
House Bill 511 — dubbed “Patterson’s Law” — would allow parents and guardians to request examinations of a child during a child abuse investigation.
Under this bill, a suspected parent could get a second opinion from a licensed physician or advanced practice registered nurse to determine whether the child suffers from rickets, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, brittle-bone disease, Vitamin D deficiency, or any other medical condition that could increase the risk of misdiagnosed abuse.
According to Florida Politics, the bill is named for Michael and Tasha Patterson, whose twin sons were taken by the DCF after an emergency room visit showed the boys had suffered broken bones, which “raised alarms.”
As a result, the couple took the issue to court, citing medical evidence that the two sons suffered Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which can make bones and skin fragile.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 513 — Court Orders
House Bill 513 would require clerks of court to send certain court orders electronically to a local law enforcement agency within six hours after the respective order is issued.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 515 — Uniform Commercial Code
House Bill 515 would provide rules for how people can acquire and exchange controllable electronic records.
The bill would also prohibit actions from being asserted against qualifying purchasers and specifies that filing certain financial statements is not a notice of claim to property rights in controllable electronic records.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 517 — Public Records (Municipal Clerks)
House Bill 517 would provide a public records exemption for municipal clerks and their staff.
Details included under this exemption are home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and photographs of municipal clerks and their staff members, as well as any spouses and children.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 519 — Controlled Substances
House Bill 519 would allow practitioners to let a certified paramedic administer a controlled substance.
If approved, the bill would take effect immediately.
HB 521 — HVAC and Electrical Systems
House Bill 521 aims to expand requirements for providing a commissioning report under the Florida Building Code.
Under this bill, a person or group commissioning such a report would have to be independent from the entity creating the building design or constructing the HVAC or electrical system.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 523 — Specialty Plates (MNAA)
House Bill 523 seeks to introduce a new specialty license plate for the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association.
The annual-use fees from the sale of these plates would go toward the MNAA to fund need-based scholarships, academic programs, and athletic programs.
If approved, the bill would take effect on Oct. 1.
HB 525 — Foods Containing Vaccines
House Bill 525 seeks to classify foods containing vaccines as “drugs” under state law.
Under this bill, such foods would have to be labeled with the words, “Contains vaccine or vaccine material.”
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 527 — Public Records (AHCA Personnel)
House Bill 527 would provide a public records exemption for AHCA personnel under state law.
Details included under this exemption are home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and photographs of such personnel.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 529 — State Board of Administration
House Bill 529 involves changes to the rules surrounding the Florida Retirement System Investment Plan.
These changes include timeframe revisions for financial instrument cancelations and forfeitures, and the types of investments that the State Board of Administration can make.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 531 — Recreational Enrichment
House Bill 531 would define a new term under state law — “recreational enrichment program” — which refers to groups that provide enrichment activities like dance instruction, music lessons or gymnastic classes to children.
Under this bill, these sorts of programs would not be required to obtain a license from the DCF, though it would establish screening requirements for personnel, similar to those for summer day camps.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 533 — Naturopathic Medicine
House Bill 533 would establish a state Board of Naturopathic Medicine and set up occupational regulations for naturopathic physicians under state law, including rules for licensure and certification.
If approved, the bill would take effect on Dec. 31.
HB 535 — Public Lodging
House Bill 535 aims to revise notification requirements for removing guests from public lodging and public food service establishments.
Under this bill, such a notice would be effective upon delivery, whether via telephone, e-mail or in person.
In addition, the bill would allow law enforcement officers to arrest a guest who tries to remain in such an establishment after being asked to leave.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 537 — State Contractors
House Bill 537 would expand state statutes regarding assault or battery against certain officials.
Under this bill, physically attacking a contractor who is performing a state function would be treated the same way as someone who attacks a first responder.
If approved, the bill would take effect on Oct. 1.
HB 539 — Housing Grant
House Bill 539 aims to establish an “Independent Living Housing Grant” to help eligible adults aging out of foster care afford rent for residential housing.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 541 — Minimum Wage
House Bill 541 aims to amend state statutes regarding the minimum wage.
Under this bill, employers wouldn’t be subject to the statute’s minimum wage requirements for employees in a structured work-study, internship, or apprenticeship program.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 543 — Selling Reservations
House Bill 543 — dubbed the “Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy Act” — would prohibit restaurant reservations from being advertised or sold through a third-party reservation platform.
Under this bill, penalties for breaking the rule could amount up to $1,000 for each violation.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 545 — Left-Lane Camping
House Bill 545 would prohibit drivers from camping in the furthest left-hand lane of highways with two or more lanes and a posted speed limit of 65 mph or above.
The bill also provides exceptions to the rule, including when passing another vehicle, preparing to exit, avoiding emergency vehicles, or when environmental conditions require drivers to use the left-most lane.
If approved, the bill would take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
HB 547 — Medical Debt
House Bill 547 aims to amend state statutes regarding medical debt.
Under this bill, information about paid medical debts, such as successful payment plan performance, could be furnished to a consumer reporting agency.
In addition, the bill would require consumer reporting agencies to adopt procedures for including positive consumer credit information obtained from medical debt furnishers to enhance the accuracy and fairness of credit evaluations.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 549 — Gulf of America
House Bill 549 would require state agencies to update their geographic materials, changing the term “Gulf of Mexico” to “Gulf of America.”
The change would also extend to school districts, which would be required to update instructional materials with the new term.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 551 — Fire Prevention
House Bill 551 aims to amend state statutes regarding fire alarm systems.
The bill would require local enforcement agencies to issue permits for fire alarm and sprinkler system projects within two days of an application being submitted. In addition, the bill would allow contractors to start work immediately after submitting an application.
Under this bill, local enforcement agencies would also be required to establish a “simplified permitting process” by Oct. 1.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 553 — Florida State Guard
House Bill 553 would provide Florida State Guard members to certain leaves of absence, in line with National Guard members.
In addition, the bill would grant Florida State Guardsmen a 15% discount on annual passes to state parks and establish a scholarship program to help Guardsmen achieve a college degree.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 555 — Medical Marijuana
House Bill 555 aims to revise medical marijuana regulations in the state.
For example, the bill would expand qualifying conditions, allow for telehealth evaluations, extend the amount of supply limits that physicians may issue, and revise how often patients must be evaluated.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 557 — Solemnizing Matrimony
House Bill 557 would allow members of the state Legislature to solemnize rights of matrimonial contract.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 559 — State Flagship
House Bill 559 would redesignate the official state flagship as the S.S. American Victory, a 455-foot historic steamship built in 1944.
The current state flagship is the schooner Western Union, which is a 130-foot historic tall ship built in Key West and first launched in 1939.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 561 — Manufacturing
House Bill 561 aims to establish a Statewide Office of Manufacturing, which would support the state’s “manufacturing ecosystem.”
This includes working with federal, state and local governments to align manufacturing priorities and promote manufacturing efforts in Florida.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 563 — Promotional Campaign
House Bill 563 would require the Department of Commerce to put together funding for a “Florida Manufacturing Promotional Campaign,” as laid under HB 561.
If approved, the bill would take effect at the same time as HB 561 or similar legislation.
HB 565 — Reusable Containers
House Bill 565 aims to prohibit local regulation of reusable containers, instead preempting such powers to the state.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 567 — Transportation
House Bill 567 would introduce various changes to transportation regulations, such as requiring counties to provide annual transportation project data to the FDOT.
Some other provisions in the bill require the FDOT to:
- Look into the potential for widening a portion of I-4 between U.S. Highway 27 in Polk County and I-75 in Hillsborough County
- Provide grants for colleges and high schools to purchase “equipment simulators” for civil construction courses
- Adopt rules to implement an airport pilot program at the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority
- Revise criteria for awarding construction and maintenance contracts to eligible bidders
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 569 — Construction and Facilities
House Bill 569 seeks to exempt public facilities like schools from concurrency requirements, making it easier for these facilities to be built.
“Concurrency” rules typically aim to ensure that public utilities and roads are available to meet the needs of new developments, though they can similarly slow down construction.
In addition, the bill would provide developer credits for improvement work on or monetary contributions to public or charter schools.
This bill would also prevent local governments from imposing a “vehicular stacking ordinance” against any public or private school during school hours (including for student drop-off and pickup hours) if such rules would limit enrollment.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 571 — Student Career Planning
House Bill 571 aims to promote work-based learning opportunities for high school students in Florida.
Under this bill, high schools would have to provide students who are at least 16 years old with the opportunity to meet potential employers who offer paid work experiences during a high school’s annual career fair.
In addition, the bill would establish a process for students to earn college credit for skills learned in apprenticeship programs.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 573 — Educator Disqualification
House Bill 573 would prohibit people from being automatically disqualified for educator certification or employment in a position that requires direct contact with students.
More specifically, this rule would apply to situations “if the disqualifying offense occurred at least 20 years ago and the person pled no contest to, or had adjudication withheld for, such offense.”
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 575 — Gulf of America
House Bill 575 would change the designation of “Gulf of Mexico” to “Gulf of America” under state law.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
An identical bill has been filed in the Senate.
HB 577 — EV Price Controls
House Bill 577 would require counties to establish specified rates for the removal of electric vehicles from the scene of a crash.
The bill would also allow wrecker operators to charge an extra 10% for the cleanup of a crash scene and removal of an electric vehicle.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 579 — Development Permits
House Bill 579 would change how counties handle applications for development permits, including building and zoning approvals.
Under this bill, counties would be required to clearly list the minimum information needed for these applications, as well as to process these applications more quickly.
The bill would also stop counties from limiting the number of public hearings each month if such a limitation would cause delays for the approval of a development permit.
If approved, the bill would take effect on Oct. 1.
HB 581 — IB Bonus Funding
House Bill 581 would revise how schools calculate extra funding and bonuses for teachers based on student scores on International Baccalaureate (IB) exams.
Under this bill, these bonuses would be applied to IB teachers with a student scoring a “C” or higher — not just a score of 4 or higher.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 583 — Agents of Foreign Nations
House Bill 583 would require people and groups that work for foreign governments to register with the state’s Division of Elections.
Under the bill, these people and groups would have to provide the state with information like how much money they received from a foreign nation. The bill also sets forth higher violation fines for agents of “hostile foreign principals,” such as North Korea, Russia, and China.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 585 — Phosphate Mining Lands
House Bill 585 would allow landowners to record an official notice that their property is a former phosphate mine.
The bill would also require the FDOH to survey these lands for radiation upon request by the landowner.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 587 — Self-Storage Spaces
House Bill 587 would revise state regulations for self-storage facilities.
Under this bill, rental agreements would have to include a provision that allows tenants to designate an alternate contact to receive notices under the Florida Self-Storage Facility Act. This rule change would go into effect on Sept. 1.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 589 — Agricultural Lands
House Bill 589 would exempt agricultural improvements on agricultural lands from value assessments, starting with the 2026 ad valorem tax roll.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 591 — Children with Autism
House Bill 591 would expand a state grant program to include funding for screenings, referrals and related services for autism.
The bill also aims to create an “Early Steps Extended Option” to continue services for eligible children until they hit 4 years old, and establish grants for autism charter schools and specialized summer programs.
In addition, the bill would set up a Center for Autism at the University of Florida to oversee these initiatives.
If approved, the bill would take effect immediately.
HB 593 — Dangerous Dogs
House Bill 593 would establish new requirements for owners of “dangerous dogs.”
Under this bill, if a dog has “dangerous propensities,” its owner would be required to securely confine the animal, and owners under investigation for having a dangerous dog would have to obtain liability insurance of at least $100,000.
In addition, the bill would set up a statewide Dangerous Dog Registry to provide public, searchable information about dogs that have been declared dangerous by local animal control authorities.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 595 — Chemical Additives
House Bill 595 would prohibit food establishments from selling food that contains any of the following chemical additives, beginning in 2028:
- Brominated vegetable oil
- Potassium bromate
- Propylparaben
- Red dye 3
- Blue dye 1
- Yellow dye 5
- Benzidine
- Butylated hydroxyanisole
- Butylated hydroxytoluene
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
An identical bill was filed in the Senate.
HB 597 — Diabetes Management
House Bill 597 would allow schools to request prescriptions for glucagon to treat students with diabetes.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 599 — Fallen Tree Act
House Bill 599 — dubbed the “Fallen Tree Act” — would hold property owners liable for damages caused by trees or shrubs on their property when they fall on another person’s property.
The bill would also allow property owners to remove any trees or shrubs growing on both their property and an adjoining one, provided that they give the other property owner(s) 30 days’ written notice.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 601 — Hemp Extract Products
House Bill 601 aims to update regulations for hemp products sold in Florida.
Under this bill, hemp extract products may only be sold at retail to people who are at least 21 years old. Containers would also have to be child-resistant and “not be attractive to children.”
If approved, the bill would take effect on Oct. 1.
HB 603 — LEO Support Dogs
House Bill 603 — dubbed the “Canine Heroes for First Responders Act” — would establish a grant program to fund law enforcement agencies to acquire support dogs for the mental health of personnel.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 605 — Specialty Plates
House Bill 605 seeks to introduce a new “Supporting FHP Troopers” specialty license plate.
The annual-use fees from the sale of these plates would go toward the Florida Highway Patrol Advisory Council to fund scholarship programs for troopers and their family members.
If approved, the bill would take effect on Oct. 1.
HB 607 — Grandparent Visitation Rights
House Bill 607 would allow grandparents to petition for court-ordered visitation of their grandchild.
Under this bill, grandparents could do so when one of the child’s parents is dead, missing, or in a “persistent vegetative state,” and the child lived with the grandparent for at least six months prior.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 609 — Academic Freedom
House Bill 609 would require that colleges in the state are free “from undue political influence and interference in academic affairs,” including classes, research programs and faculty appointments.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 611 — Artificial Food Dyes
House Bill 611 would prohibit the following ingredients from being used in any foods served in a school breakfast program:
- Allura Red AC (Red 40)
- Tartrazine (Yellow 5)
- Sunset yellow FCF (Yellow 6)
- Brilliant blue FCF (Blue 1)
- Indigo carmine (Blue 2)
- Fast green FCF (Green 3)
The prohibition would also extend to vending machines and any other classroom events.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 613 — Prosecuting Children as Adults
House Bill 613 aims to amend state statutes regarding how children are prosecuted as adults.
Under this bill, children may not be held in an adult jail before a court hearing to determine whether they should be tried as adults.
In addition, the bill requires a due process hearing to determine whether adult prosecution is even necessary, using factors like the child’s maturity, nature of the offense, and potential criminal background for consideration.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 615 — Tenant Notices
House Bill 615 would allow landlords to provide electronic delivery of notices to tenants.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 617 — Property Tax Exemptions
House Bill 617 would expand property tax exemptions on certain affordable housing projects that local governments can approve.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 619 — Rent Termination
House Bill 619 would prohibit landlords from evicting a tenant for an incident involving domestic violence or stalking, so long as the tenant or the tenant’s child is the victim of such a crime.
In addition, the bill would allow such a tenant to terminate a rental agreement without penalty at any time by providing the landlord with written notice if the crime happened during the term of the rental agreement.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 621 — Renewable Energy
House Bill 621 would require all electricity in the state to come from renewable sources by 2050, achieving net-zero emissions by 2051.
As such, the bill would prohibit new drilling for oil and gas in the state.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 623 — Public Records (Local Administrators)
House Bill 623 would provide a public records exemption for city and county administrators and managers.
Details included under this exemption are home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, photographs, and places of work for family members of administrators and managers.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 625 — Medical Spas
House Bill 625 would require medical spas to prominently post the name, license number and specialty certifications of the supervising physician on their websites and facilities.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 627 — Bird Flu
House Bill 627 aims to establish a “Be Ready Task Force” to develop a statewide response plan to prevent the spread of bird flu.
If approved, the bill would take effect immediately.
HB 629 — Senior Management Service Class
House Bill 629 would require each district’s assistant regional counsel supervisor to participate in the Senior Management Service Class.
The bill would also appropriate $950,000 in state funds to the offices of the Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel to pay retirement benefits for specific positions in those offices.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 631 — Student Fee Waivers
House Bill 631 would require state universities to waive certain fees for graduate students who have at least a 0.25 full-time equivalent appointment as a:
- graduate assistant
- graduate research assistant
- graduate teaching assistant
- graduate research assistant
- graduate teaching associate
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 633 — Behavioral Health
House Bill 633 would require the DCF to audit behavioral health managing entities’ operations and finances, and recommend improvements for transparency.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 635 — Candidate Filing Fees
House Bill 635 would allow political candidates to pay their filing fees via a debit card linked to their campaign account.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 639 — Government Salaries
House Bill 639 would increase the base salaries of clerks of circuit court, county comptrollers, supervisors of elections, and property appraisers.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 641 — Food Additives
House Bill 641 would require warnings on food products that include any of the following synthetic color additives starting on July 1, 2026:
- CAS 3844-45-9 (Blue 1)
- CAS 860-22-0 (Blue 2)
- CAS 2353-45-9 (Green 3)
- CAS 25956-17-6 (Red 40)
- CAS 1934-21-0 (Yellow 5)
- CAS 2783-94-0 (Yellow 6)
- Titanium Dioxide (when used as a color additive)
If approved, the bill would take effect immediately.
HB 643 — Residual Market Insurers
House Bill 643 aims to revise the state’s insurance regulations, especially when it comes to surplus line insurers.
The bill would remove requirements for a “diligent effort” to obtain coverage from authorized insurers before turning to surplus line insurers.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 645 — Wastewater Treatment
House Bill 645 would allow general permits for replacing certain septic systems with a distributed wastewater treatment unit.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 647 — Nurse Services
House Bill 647 would allow physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses under a physician protocol to provide certain types of care to hospice patients.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 649 — Nurse Anesthetists
House Bill 649 would allow certified registered nurse anesthetists to perform autonomously without a doctor’s supervision
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 651 — FDACS
House Bill 651 would revise and update the powers, duties and functions of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
These revisions involve functions like pest control certifications, mosquito control programs, and drone regulations, among others.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 4011 — Building Officials
House Bill 4011 aims to revise the term “building official” under state law.
Under this bill, the term would require possession of a Florida Building Code Administrator certificate, rather than simply a full-time employee of a given municipality.
If approved, the bill would take effect immediately.
HB 4013 — Citrus County
House Bill 4013 aims to repeal a state statute relating to the rights of certain employees and appointees of the Citrus County Sheriff.
If approved, the bill would take effect immediately.
HB 4015 — Broward County
House Bill 4015 aims to repeal a state statute that established the Broward County Narcotics and Dangerous Drug Intelligence and Enforcement Unit.
If approved, the bill would take effect immediately.
HB 4017 — Charlotte County
House Bill 4017 would create the Bermont Drainage District, a water control district in Charlotte County.
If approved, the bill would take effect immediately.
HB 6019 — State Estate Tax
House Bill 6019 aims to repeal the state’s estate tax and all references to it under state law.
If approved, the bill would take effect immediately.
HB 6021 — Bullion Tax Exemption
House Bill 6021 would exempt the sale of gold, silver and platinum bullion from the state sales tax.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1.
HB 6519 — Drowning Victim
House Bill 6519 seeks to provide relief to the estate of Peniel Janvier, who drowned after being pushed into a Miami Beach community pool back in 2022.
According to the bill, Janvier was pushed into the pool at the Scott Rakow Youth Center, though lifeguards failed to notice or respond to the situation, leading to his death.
As a result, Janvier’s parents took the city to court, though they ultimately reached a settlement agreement of $2 million. While the city of Miami Beach is paying $300,000, this bill appropriates funds so that the city can pay out the remaining portion.
If approved, the bill would take effect immediately.
HB 6521 — Car Crash Victim
House Bill 6521 seeks to provide relief to Jacob Rodgers, a man who was injured in a car crash back in 2015.
According to the bill, Rodgers had been a passenger in a car when it was struck by another vehicle owned by the city of Gainesville. The bill states that the city employee had run a stop sign, leading to the crash.
As a result, Rodgers suffered spinal fractures that left him paraplegic, the bill notes.
This bill would authorize the city of Gainesville to pay $10.8 million to Rodgers as compensation.
If approved, the bill would take effect immediately.
HB 6523 — Preeclampsia Victim
House Bill 6523 seeks to provide relief to Darline Angervil and her son “J.R.” following Angervil’s visit to Memorial Hospital West in 2014.
According to the bill, Angervil was over 30 weeks pregnant at the time with J.R., and she was showing symptoms of preeclampsia.
While Angervil was initially given magnesium sulfate to help with her condition, an order was later given to discontinue the magnesium sulfate, and her condition worsened until an emergency cesarean section was performed, the bill states.
J.R. was ultimately delivered, though he appeared “cyanotic” and “essentially lifeless,” requiring resuscitation and treatment, the bill notes. He was later found to suffer from several debilitating conditions, including cerebral palsy, dysphagia, leukomalacia, seizure disorder, esophagitis and mobility impairment.
Years later, Angervil filed legal action against the South Broward Hospital District, alleging “negligence of the district in failing to meet the standard of care for the monitoring, the evaluation of both Ms. Angervil and J.R., and the timely notification of medical specialists regarding the change in Ms. Angervil’s medical condition.”
As a result of the incident, the bill would authorize the South Broward Hospital District to pay $6.1 million to Angervil as compensation.
If approved, the bill would take effect immediately.
HB 6525 — Bowel Blockage Victim
House Bill 6525 seeks to provide relief to the parents of “E.E.M.,” a young boy who died years after being taken to the E.R. at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in 2017.
According to the bill, E.E.M. — then 17 months old — was taken to the hospital due to an “intermittent cough, irritability, and a decreased oral intake.”
However, E.E.M. was discharged that same day, though his condition worsened in the days to follow, the bill states. After exhibiting a distended abdomen and going over a week without a bowel movement, the hospital finally discovered he was suffering from a small bowel obstruction.
“Although E.E.M.’s symptoms, laboratory values, and radiological and other clinical findings were consistent with an intestinal blockage or rupture, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital medical staff failed to appropriately evaluate and diagnose E.E.M.’s condition,” the bill reads.
E.E.M. was eventually transferred to another hospital for treatment, but he suffered “horrific” injuries as a result of his condition, the bill says. In 2023, he passed away at 7 years old.
As a result of the incident, the bill would authorize the South Broward Hospital District to pay $200,000 to E.E.M.’s parents as compensation.
If approved, the bill would take effect immediately.
HB 6527 — Deputy Shooting Victim
House Bill 6527 seeks to provide relief to Maury Hernandez, a former Broward County deputy who was shot after a traffic stop in 2007.
According to the bill, Hernandez was driving a sheriff’s office vehicle when he spotted a motorcycle driver run three traffic lights, prompting Hernandez to pull the driver over.
The driver fled from Hernandez on foot, sparking a chase that ended with the driver shooting Hernandez in the head, putting the deputy into a coma, the bill explains.
Later, investigators found that the driver — identified as David Maldonado, 23 — had a criminal record and was on probation in the months prior to the shooting, but even though he admitted to his probation officers that he illegally possessed a firearm, the officers simply warned him that he couldn’t possess a weapon, failing to report the violations.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Hernandez suffered from permanent brain damage and partial paralysis, being “totally and permanently disabled,” the bill reads.
As a result of the incident, the bill would pay Hernandez $5 million as compensation.
If approved, the bill would take effect immediately.
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