Nearly 30 new state laws went into effect October 1st. Here are some of the most important changes that could impact drivers, residents, and pet owners.
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MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES (HB 253)
PENALTIES INCREASED:
🚨 Using lights to impersonate police and pull over vehicles
BEFORE: 1st-degree misdemeanor – Up to 1 year jail, $1,000 fine
NOW: 3rd-degree felony – Up to 5 years prison, $5,000 fine
🚨 Altering/obscuring license plates
BEFORE: Traffic infraction
NOW: 2nd-degree misdemeanor – Up to 60 days jail, $500 fine
NEW CRIMINAL OFFENSES:
License Plate Obscuring Devices (E.g. flip plates, photo-blocker sprays/covers, tinted covers, or electronic devices that hide your plate)
⚠️ Purchasing or possessing license plate obscuring devices = 2nd-degree misdemeanor (Up to 60 days jail, $500 fine)
⚠️ Manufacturing, selling, or distributing these devices = 1st-degree misdemeanor (Up to 1 year jail, $1,000 fine)
⚠️ Using obscuring devices to commit crimes = 3rd-degree felony (Up to 5 years prison, $5,000 fine)
➡️ Deputies frequently stop vehicles for unreadable plates. These new penalties give law enforcement stronger tools to address intentional obscuring.
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“TRENTON’S LAW” (HB 687)
Named after 18-year-old Trenton Stewart
🚗 REFUSE A BREATHALYZER? NOW A CRIME:
BEFORE: 1ST refusal = Administrative penalty
NOW: 1st refusal = 2nd-degree misdemeanor – Up to 60 days jail, $500 fine
🚗 REPEAT DUI MANSLAUGHTER? DOUBLED PRISON TIME:
BEFORE: 2nd-degree felony – Up to 15 years
NOW: 1st-degree felony – Up to 30 years
Applies if you have ANY prior conviction for DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, or BUI manslaughter
➡️ This law targets repeat offenders with much tougher consequences.
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“TROOPER’S LAW” (SB 150)
Named after Trooper, a dog abandoned during Hurricane Milton
🐕 NEW FELONY OFFENSE:
Restraining a dog outside during a natural disaster AND abandoning it
BEFORE: General animal cruelty laws applied
NOW: 3rd-degree felony – Up to 5 years prison, $10,000 fine
➡️ As Bay County faces hurricanes and severe storms each year, this law aims to protect pets left behind during evacuations.
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FLOOD DISCLOSURE FOR RENTERS (SB 948)
🌊 NEW REQUIREMENT FOR LANDLORDS:
Must disclose BEFORE signing lease (1 year or longer):
Any known flooding that damaged the property
Any insurance claims filed for flood damage
Any assistance received for flood damage
🌊 TENANT PROTECTIONS:
If landlord fails to disclose and tenant suffers substantial flood damage (50%+ of property value):
Tenant can terminate lease within 30 days
Tenant entitled to refund of advance rent paid
➡️ Why it matters locally: Bay County’s coastal and low-lying areas are vulnerable to flooding. Standard renters and homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage, so disclosure is crucial.
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📋 For a comprehensive list of all laws that are now in effect, visit the official Florida Senate website:
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bills/2025
(Search for bills with effective date October 1, 2025)
