Florida Alert: New Laws

Stay informed on new Florida laws.

Pamela, On July 1, 2025, over 120 new state laws took effect in Florida, affecting everything from parks to public safety and your rights. These changes matter to all of us. But here's something important: none of these new laws directly impact voting rights or change the voting process. Unfortunately, one of the new laws does make it much harder for Floridians to collect petitions to put citizen-led amendments on the ballot, restricting our constitutional right to direct democracy. That's why we're tracking bills every legislative session and keeping you informed about the policies that do and don't make it to the governor's desk. Because even when voting laws aren't changed, what happens in Tallahassee still affects our ability to build a fair and inclusive democracy. Here are just some of the new laws passed in 2025: Citizen-Led Amendment Restrictions (HB 1205): Makes it even harder for grassroots campaigns to collect signatures and reach the ballot and is a direct attack on our right to hold lawmakers accountable when they fail to act. Read our explainer here. Driver License Education Requirements (SB 994): Requires applicants who are 18 and older to complete an additional driver education course, along with taking courses on traffic laws and substance abuse. State Parks Preservation (HB 209): No new golf courses, hotels, tennis courts or pickleball courts in state parks can be developed in any of Florida's state parks. Electronic Notice to Tenants (HB 615): This law allows landlords and tenants to agree to electronic delivery of notices, with either party able to revoke the agreement at any time by providing written notice. Public Records for Lawmakers (SB 268): Establishes a public records exemption that removes the personal information of state lawmakers, including information about their residence in the district they represent. Administrative Procedures (SB 108): Makes changes to the rulemaking process for state agencies . Immigration Services (HB 915): Prevents notary fraud against immigrants who are seeking representation on immigration matters. Fluoride Ban (SB 700): Effectively bans communities in Florida from adding fluoride to public drinking water. While some laws like park protections and preventing notary fraud are wins, others like citizen-led amendment restrictions and public records exemptions for lawmakers raise questions about access, equity, and transparency.   We'll keep watching what lawmakers are doing, and what they're not, and keep you better informed about what's happening behind closed doors. The stakes for our democracy remain high. And staying informed is one of the most powerful things we can do. Thank you for standing up for our democracy, Franceska Edouard, Florida Organizer and the team at Common Cause Florida P.S. Read more about the new laws that came into effect on July 1st: https://www.clickorlando.com/news/florida/2025/06/02/here-are-all-the-new-florida-laws-taking-effect-next-month/ Common Cause Florida is a leader in fights that matter at both the local and state level. Your support helps us fight special interests, hold elected officials accountable, and build a better democracy for all Floridians. DONATE Interested in volunteering with our Action Team? Sign up here. 333 3rd Ave N, Unit 427 St. Petersburg Fl, 33701 202.833.1200 https://commoncause.org Common Cause's work to defend and strengthen our democracy is powered by members like you. You can use this link to unsubscribe or let us know you'd like to receive fewer emails from us.

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