TALLAHASSEE, FL (352today.com) – While most new Florida laws traditionally take effect on July 1–that date marking the start of the fiscal year–a raft of new statutes passed by the state during the 2025 legislative session are slated to kick in Jan. 1, 2026.
Here are some of the new Sunshine State laws going into effect as the calendar turns over that may most directly impact residents of the North Central Florida region.
Health care and insurance
Patient overpayment refunds (SB 1808)
In order to help make billing issues more streamlined, efficient and beneficial to patients, this law requires health care providers who discover that a client has overpaid for covered services to refund the amount overpaid within 30 days.
Expanded breast exam coverage for state employees (SB 158)
Starting in 2026, state employee health plans cannot charge co-pays or deductibles for breast exams, including additional diagnostic tests like MRIs or ultrasound.
Claims deadlines for psychologists (SB 944)
The amount of time healthcare providers have to seek repayment of claim overpayments to licensed psychologists has shrunk from 30 months to 12, bringing it more in line with other medical specialties. This may affect patients’ payment structures.
Consumer protections regarding pet insurance (SB 655)
The 352 is full of animal lovers, and starting in 2026, pet insurance providers will be required to clearly explain to owners what their policies cover and how they evaluate claims. They will also be penalized for promoting “wellness programs” designed to cover routine pet care as actual insurance.
Animal welfare
Animal cruelty registry (SB 255)
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) will be tasked with creating and publishing a searchable database of individuals convicted of animal cruelty.
Local government
New rules for impact fee increases (SB 1080)
Moving forward, if local municipal governments (like Marion County) wish to increase their local development impact fees, such increases require unanimous approval of the governing body, can only be enacted a limited number of times in a given year, and must be phased in incrementally.
Condo and co-op association transparency (SB 913)
In a win for residents/owners/lessees, condominium and co-op associations must make meeting minutes, videos and associated statements and statuses publicly available online.
Recovery residence approval (SB 954)
Beginning in 2026, Florida’s local governments will be required to create streamlined, clear-cut processes for approving certified recovery residences–“sober homes” for individuals in addiction recovery–within the region of their administration.
Documentation for students without traditional diplomas (SB 1105)
And finally, next year the Florida Department of Education must codify and issue standard guidelines regarding “alternative credentials”–those widely varied certifications, work-experience qualifications, validations and accreditations students and employees may earn or achieve in addition or as an alternative to a standard diploma.