Starting January 1, Florida will enact a series of new legal changes designed to address social media usage by minors, voter registration accuracy, first responder safety, healthcare costs, and financial exploitation. Here’s what these changes mean for residents:
New Social Media Legal Restrictions for Minors
A law targeting social media use will require platforms to verify visitors are 18 or older before accessing adult content. Additionally, accounts for children under 14 will be prohibited. Teens aged 14 and 15 may use social media only with parental permission.
Although the law is set to take effect in January, enforcement won’t begin until late February. This delay stems from a legal challenge by tech groups, including Meta and Google, that question the law’s feasibility.
Securing Voter Registration Records
Florida aims to eliminate voter registration errors by requiring written consent for any changes to political party affiliation. This comes after some Palm Beach County residents unintentionally switched affiliations due to incomplete forms during driver’s license renewals.
The updated process ensures that applicants receive a printed receipt confirming their registration details, providing transparency and minimizing errors.
Protecting First Responders
A new law imposes criminal penalties on anyone who obstructs first responders while they work. Individuals must maintain a distance of at least 25 feet if warned verbally. Ignoring this rule or harassing emergency workers can result in a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail.
Higher Compensation for Healthcare Providers
Florida healthcare professionals will see increased reimbursement rates for workers’ compensation cases. Deposition fees rise from $200 to $300 per hour, while surgical procedure reimbursements jump to 200% of Medicare rates, up from 140%. This adjustment is expected to add $300 million in annual costs to the workers’ compensation system.
Stronger Financial Protections for Vulnerable Adults
Financial institutions now have more authority to protect vulnerable adults—defined as those 65 and older or adults with disabilities—from exploitation. Banks can delay suspicious transactions for up to 15 days, with the possibility of extending the hold for another 30 days if necessary. Institutions must conduct internal reviews to ensure proper handling of flagged transactions.
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