TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed 11 more bills into law as the latest Legislative session approaches its end.
Many of these latest laws make niche changes, such as helping veterans apply for benefits and restructuring special districts.
A new special district is established in Oviedo by a particular law, which also permits businesses to obtain licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages that can be consumed in public areas.
Upon signature, many of the new laws immediately came into effect, while a handful are scheduled to be enforced on July 1, alongside more than 80 others. The comprehensive list of these laws can be accessed here.
In the meantime, the 11 laws signed on Friday are as follows:
HB 797 — Nursing Home Beds
Under House Bill 797, specific licensed nursing facilities are authorized to reserve particular beds exclusively for veterans and their spouses, potentially leading to an increase in the availability of VA beds in Florida.
This applies if the admitted residents meet the criteria for admission to a state veterans’ nursing home and the beds operate per state requirements.
The law is set to take effect on July 1.
HB 4015 — Broward County
House Bill 4015 repeals the Broward County Narcotics and Dangerous Drug Intelligence and Enforcement Unit, which appears to have been defunct since the 1970s.
The law took effect upon being signed.
HB 4023 — North Springs
House Bill 4023 prohibits employees of the North Springs Improvement District from having a work-related relationship with businesses regulated by the district.
The district itself is a water control district in Broward County, and the law tamps down on potential conflicts of interest.
The law took effect upon being signed.
HB 4029 — Naples Charter
House Bill 4029 would amend the charter of the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District in Collier County to require all seats on the district’s board of commissioners be elected at-large, starting in 2028.
This rule will only take effect upon approval by majority vote during a referendum held alongside another election by Dec. 31, 2026.
HB 4031 — City of Oviedo
House Bill 4031 establishes a special zone in Oviedo, which will be called the “Oviedo Arts and Entertainment District.”
Under this law, the special zone is granted an exception to the state’s Beverage Law, allowing certain businesses to sell alcohol in open containers for buyers to drink off the premises within the district.
However, the city council will be required to specify the type, design and color of cups to be used by ordinance.
The law took effect upon being signed.
HB 4033 — Bonita Springs
House Bill 4033 changes the San Carlos Estates Water Control District from an independent special district to a dependent special district of the city of Bonita Springs.
However, this change will only take effect upon approval by the landowners of the district and the electors of Bonita Springs.
HB 4045 — Tampa First Responders
House Bill 4045 revises provisions of a pension fund for Tampa firefighters and police officers, now reflecting an agreement between the city and the respective unions.
The law took effect upon being signed.
HB 4051 — Pasco County
House Bill 4051 amends the charter of the Pasco County Mosquito Control District to convert the district’s board from being elected at-large to being elected by single-member districts.
In addition, the law establishes a term limit of two four-year terms for board members.
The law is set to take effect on July 1.
HB 4057 — Tohopekaliga Water Authority
House Bill 4057 revises the boundary of the Tohopekaliga Water Authority to include parts of Orange, Osceola and Polk counties that already receive services from the authority.
The law took effect upon being signed.
SB 116 — Veteran Healthcare
Senate Bill 116 expands suicide prevention programs to include early recognition of mention health conditions, as opposed to just emergency intervention.
The law also requires the FDVA to set up a plan to establish adult day healthcare facilities serving veterans and their families.
The law is set to take effect on July 1.
SB 910 — Veteran Benefits
Senate Bill 910 targets unaccredited parties that claim to advise or help veterans with their benefits.
The law bans referral kickbacks and misleading guarantees with regard to benefit outcomes, and it also mandates that anyone offering paid benefits must pass a high-level background check.
In addition, the law provides compensation for benefits advisors who actually help veterans secure a real increase in benefits.
The law took effect upon being signed.
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