TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As of October 1, 2025, Florida is enacting a sweeping batch of new laws passed during the 2025 legislative session. More than two dozen statutes covering criminal justice, property, technology, and tenant rights are now live — with some notable changes that could affect your daily life. WKMG+3Axios+3WEAR+3
Stronger Penalties in Criminal & Traffic Law
Fleeing law enforcement (HB 113): The state removes the requirement that pursuing vehicles display agency insignia in some cases, and raises the offense severity levels for fleeing/eluding (Level 4 → Level 5) and aggravated fleeing that causes harm (Level 5 → Level 6). WKMG+3FOX 13 Tampa Bay+3Rice Law Firm+3
Motor crimes and police impersonation (HB 253): It is now a third-degree felony to use prohibited lights or attempt to pull someone over. Obscuring a license plate becomes at least a second-degree misdemeanor. Selling or manufacturing devices to hide plates is also penalized. WUSF+3WKMG+3Rice Law Firm+3
EMD tampering (HB 437): Tampering with an electronic monitoring device (such as an ankle monitor) will now carry the same degree of felony as the underlying offense committed by the person wearing it. WKMG+1
Leaving the scene (HB 479): Courts can now order restitution (payment for damage) when a driver flees after property damage. WKMG+1
“Trenton’s Law” – DUI / BUI / Vehicular Homicide (HB 687): Repeat offenses of DUI/BUI manslaughter or vehicular homicide now face harsher penalties; first refusal to submit to a breath or urine test after a DUI arrest is now a second-degree misdemeanor. Florida Phoenix+3WKMG+3WUSF+3
Digital sex crimes & deepfakes (HB 757): The law now criminalizes creation, possession, or solicitation of nonconsensual pornographic imagery (including AI/deepfake versions). Possessing a lewd image with intent to distribute is a second-degree felony; creating or possessing deepfake pornography becomes a third-degree felony. Victims can also pursue civil damages. Musca Law+4WKMG+4NBC 6 South Florida+4
Child luring (HB 777): The luring statute expands: it now applies to children under 14 (previously under 12), and covers enticing a child out of a building, home, or vehicle. Defenses like ignorance of the child’s age are pared down. WKMG+3Musca Law+3NBC 6 South Florida+3
Animal cruelty during disasters (“Trooper’s Law,” SB 150): Anyone who abandons or restrains an animal during a natural disaster may now face felony charges — up to five years in prison and $10,000 fines. WKMG+4AP News+4Florida Phoenix+4
Other Major Changes & Protections
Mental health diversion (SB 168, “Tristin Murphy Act”): New provisions allow for screening and diversion of individuals with mental illness instead of incarceration. Evaluations must be offered within 24 hours of detention, and counties may set up misdemeanor and felony diversion programs. WUSF+3Axios+3Florida Phoenix+3
Flood risk disclosures for renters (SB 948): Landlords and developers must now provide prospective renters with detailed flood risk disclosures, similar to requirements for home buyers. Florida Phoenix+3Axios+3WUSF+3
Elimination of business rent tax: The decades-old state sales tax on commercial leases (known as the business rent tax) is being phased out as of October 1, reducing costs for landlords and businesses. WUSF
Tracking devices misuse crackdown: The unauthorized use of AirTags or Bluetooth trackers in service of serious crimes (e.g. kidnapping, assault, robbery) can now carry up to 15 years in prison. WUSF
New limits on GPS / tracking devices (pending enforcement): A bill restricts placing or using tracking devices or apps on someone else’s property or person without consent, though some exceptions remain. larsonacc.com
