Since January 1, 2026, five new state laws have taken effect in Florida, modifying key rules on health, animal protection, pet insurance, and condominium management. The reforms, approved in 2025 and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, directly impact residents, public employes, and property owners across the state.
According to information confirmed by CBS News and the Florida Senate, the new provisions respond to citizens’ demands for greater transparency, administrative oversight, and access to services, especially in areas considered sensitive.
What new laws went into effect in Florida in January 2026?
The legislative package includes five main pieces of legislation, identified as HB 255, HB 655, SB 158, SB 1808, and HB 913. These are the Florida laws that will already be in effect in 2026:
- HB 255 (“Dexter’s Law”): creates a public database of individuals convicted of animal cruelty.
- HB 655: regulates pet insurance and prohibits restrictive practices.
- SB 158: eliminates copays and deductibles for breast exams for state employes.
- SB 1808: requires reimbursement of excess medical payments within 30 days.
- HB 913: expands transparency in condominium and cooperative associations.
Florida’s animal cruelty database: what is Dexter’s Law?
HB 255, known as Dexter’s Law, requires the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to maintain a free, public database of the names of individuals convicted of animal abuse or cruelty.
The law was enacted following the case of Dexter, a dog who was decapitated days after being adopted. According to state authorities, the goal is to prevent individuals with a criminal record from adopting or acquiring animals again, thereby strengthening prevention.
Florida thus becomes one of the few states with a digital public registry of this kind, according to CBS News.
Changes to pet insurance in Florida
HB 655 introduces new rules for pet insurance in Florida, requiring insurers to clearly disclose:
- Coverage exclusions
- Pre-existing conditions
- Premium calculation formulas
- Cancelation and Refund Policies
Consumers may cancel the policy within a specified period and receive a refund. Furthermore, conditioning the purchase of insurance on participation in animal welfare programs is prohibited.
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Copays for breast exams are eliminated for public employes
SB 158 stipulates that state health plans must cover 100% of diagnostic and supplemental breast exams, with no copays or deductibles for Florida public employes.
Before this law, costs could range from $50 to 50 per test. The Florida Department of Health noted that the measure aims to promote early detection and reduce long-term medical costs.
Medical reimbursements must be made within 30 days at the latest
Under SB 1808, hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals are required to refund overpayments within no more than 30 days.
Non-compliance may result in fines of up to $500 per incident. The law applies to direct payments and those made thru health insurance, addressing recurring complaints about delays in reimbursements.
More transparency for condominium associations in Florida
HB 913 strengthens transparency in condominium and cooperative associations by requiring them to:
- Publish meeting minutes and financial statements online.
- Respond to information requests within defined timeframes.
- Implement internal audits.
Governor Ron DeSantis stated that this reform will allow residents to know the financial and administrative status of their communities.
To whom do these new laws in Florida apply?
The reforms do not change the general legislation, but they do impose greater transparency and consumer protection obligations:
- The animal cruelty registry is public.
- Comprehensive medical coverage applies only to state employes.
- The new pet insurance rules require clear information.
- Condominium associations will be required to submit digital reports.
The entry into force of these regulations has an immediate impact on the daily lives of thousands of people in Florida. From greater animal protection and consumer rights to improved access to health services and community oversight, the Florida Senate announced that the laws will be periodically evaluated to measure their effectiveness.
