Gov. Ron DeSantis signed more than 200 pieces of legislation into law in 2026. Although the majority went into effect this summer, a smaller batch will be effective on Oct. 1.

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SB 488: Transportation

This law will increase the damage threshold for vehicle crash reporting to law enforcement from $500 to $2,000.

It also clarifies that decorative license plates are allowed as long as they do not block registration stickers or plate numbers.

Linked to SB 490, this law allows the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to use email addresses to deliver notices related to drivers licenses, identification cards, registrations and orders to revoke, cancel or suspend licenses.

SB 246: Specialty Plates

Speaking of plates, this law grants five new specialty license plates, including: UFC, Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, Outsider, St. Petersburg College and First Responders Resiliency.

SB 432: Intoxicating substances

This law makes the possession or sale of nitrous oxide — or “laughing gas” — by tobacco or nicotine dealers a third-degree felony.

Known as “Meg’s Law,” the law was passed in memory of Margaret “Meg” Caldwell, a 29-year-old Clermont woman who died in 2024 after what relatives said was a yearslong addiction to the gas canisters.

It also establishes the sale and manufacturing of 28 grams or more of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, for human use as a first-degree felony. Possession of anywhere from 28 to 100 grams of the drug will be sentences to 3 years minimum in prison and violators must pay a $100,000 fine.

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HB 757: School Safety

This law establishes a second degree felony if a person discharges any weapon or firearm within 1,000 feet of a school during school hours unless discharged for a lawful purpose.

It also extends to student enrollment into a Florida College System institution or state university. The student’s education records must be transferred to the institution or university if their records contain verified reports of “serious or recurrent” behaviors, threat assessment reports and documents related to psychological evaluations and treatment.

HB 1293: Fraudulent Entry of Residential Dwellings

This law will make it a third-degree felony to commit residential rental property fraud using forged or falsified documents, including fake pay stubs, bank statements and identification documents, or by impersonating someone else.

The law will also amend civil landlord tenant laws to add that a person occupying these properties can be subject to eviction with seven days to vacate.

HB 559: Animal Welfare

This law creates a new third degree felony for adults who involve a minor in aggravated animal cruelty or commits it in front of them. This includes fighting and baiting animals or sexual activities involving animals.

It also orders juvenile courts to order minors who commit animal cruelty to undergo psychological evaluations and receive treatment if recommended. If the parents or guardians of these minors refuse to the follow the recommended treatments, juvenile court may hold them in contempt.

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SB 1332: Career Offender Registration

This law makes changes to driver license registration for “career offenders,” or any person who is designated as a habitual violent felony offender, a violent career criminal, or a three-time violent felony offender or a prison releasee reoffender under, according to Florida Statutes.

Career offenders must register in person at a local sheriff’s office within 48 hours of release or establishing a new residence. These identification cards will now feature a “775.261″ marking, in reference to the career offender defining statutes.

CS/CS/HB 1525: Lewd or Lascivious Acts

This law establishes a third degree felony offense for indecent exposure of sexual organs to a child under 16 years old for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification.

This law repeals statute 800.02, which formerly established a second degree misdemeanor. The law still includes an exception for breastfeeding.

HB 429: Criteria for Determining Criminal Gang Membership

This law expands the classifications of a “criminal gang member” to include self-admission online through social media or any online platform.

It also establishes a definition for “gang-related language,” meaning “any verbal or written statement that signals gang affiliation, supports gang activity, or uses recognized gang codes, symbols, or terminology associated with criminal organizations.”

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