5 Florida State Laws Taking Effect in 2024 That You Need To Know.
Although there are several more, these directly effect us in Palm Coast and Flagler County.
SB-744: Enhanced Ethics Mandates for Public Officials
Local elected officials are obligated to reveal their financial transactions. This legislation has prompted a notable surge in resignations statewide, as numerous officials have chosen to step down. The mandate extends the current financial disclosure requirements already applicable to the governor, lawmakers, county commissioners, school board members, and sheriffs.
For Flagler County, Florida this means the new transparency law mandates full financial disclosure for local candidates.
In 2024, a forthcoming Florida transparency law will necessitate candidates running for local elected office in Flagler County and Florida to submit a comprehensive and publicly accessible disclosure at the time of qualification. Additionally, candidates will be required to provide their federal tax returns. This legislation, identified and introduced in 2023 as SB 774 and focusing on ethics requirements, is set to be enforced starting January 1, 2024
Under SB 774, sponsored by Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Lake Mary, candidates for specified local offices must submit a more detailed Form 6 financial disclosure, replacing the current Form 1 requirement. Form 6 imposes a heightened level of detail and reduces the reporting threshold for financial information.
Those Pushing Back. The new financial transparency SB 774 law has led some elected commissioners and council members in Florida to threaten resignation rather than release the required details, WPTV in West Palm Beach reported in December.
“I think that’s a complete invasion of your privacy,” Loxahatchee Groves Mayor Laura Danowski said.
State Rep. Spencer Roach, R-North Fort Myers, who supports the bill, told the station:
“To those people who are contemplating resigning, or have resigned, I would have one simple question for them: ‘What is it that you are trying to hide? Or what is it that you don’t want your constituents to know?’ And I would posit that those are probably the very officials that this bill is designed to target.”
HB-425: Enhanced Transportation Safety
Effective January 1 2024, an amendment to Florida's "Move Over" law has been implemented. Under this expansion, drivers are now obligated to yield space for disabled vehicles exhibiting hazard lights, emergency flares, or emergency signage. This builds upon the existing mandate for giving way to emergency, sanitation, utility service, and construction vehicles.
Failure to comply with this updated law may result in fines ranging from $60 to $158. Stay informed and ensure a safer road environment for all.
HB-109: Exclusive State Park Campsite Booking for Florida Residents
Commencing January 1 2024, Florida residents gain priority in reserving cabins, campsites, and RV spots at state parks. Residents can secure their bookings online 11 months in advance of their preferred date, providing them with a one-month lead over non-residents, who can start reservations 10 months prior to their desired dates. Enjoy the advantage of living in Florida with early planning for your state park getaway!
HB-1627: Pretrial Release and Detention
Enacts modifications to Florida's bail and pretrial detention systems.
Strengthens pretrial release criteria for specific felony offenders, taking into account their criminal history.
Mandates the Florida Supreme Court to create a bond schedule and limits lower courts from setting bail amounts below those outlined in the schedule.
HB-1275: Registry for Persons with Disabilities
Unveils the "Protect Our Loved Ones" Act. Empowers law enforcement to administer a database known as the "Persons with Disabilities Registry," aimed at addressing issues related to interactions between police and individuals with disabilities. Encompasses details such as the person's name, contact information, personal identifiers, and pertinent information regarding disabilities or conditions.
What are your opinions about these new Florida laws taking effect in 2024?
