New Florida Laws That Take Effect January 1, 2025, & High-Rises in South Florida are Sinking
December 26, 2024 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
Welcome to this week’s edition of Floridian Today, a newsletter about all things Florida — from politics, business, real estate, and climate. Reporting from the Sunshine State, these are the most important stories you need to know. To never miss an update, subscribe here:
Christmas may be over 🎄🎁☃️🌟🎅, but the news from the Sunshine State didn’t stop. Here’s the latest top headlines from Florida…
New Florida Laws Taking Effect January 1, 2025
As the new year approaches, several significant laws signed by Governor Ron DeSantis will come into effect on January 1, 2025. These laws impact various aspects of daily life for Florida residents, particularly regarding minors, voter registration, and interactions with law enforcement. Here are the new laws you need to know:
Social Media for Minors: Among the most notable changes is the "Online Protection for Minors" bill, which prohibits children under 14 from creating social media accounts. Those aged 14 and 15 can only register on social media platforms with parental consent. Companies must also delete personal information from terminated underage accounts unless otherwise required.
Protection for First Responders: A new rule enforces a 25-foot buffer around on-duty first responders, barring individuals from threatening, harassing, or obstructing their duties. After first receiving a verbal warning, violators could face second-degree misdemeanor charges.
Voter Registration Updates: The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) must ensure changes to voter party affiliations are confirmed in writing. DHSMV is also prohibited from changing an applicant’s party affiliation unless the change is designated on the application and a separate signature is provided. Receipts documenting updates will also be provided.
Medical Treatment Under Workers’ Compensation: The legislation raises the maximum reimbursement for physicians and surgical procedures under the Workers’ Compensation Law, increasing to 175% and 210%, respectively, of the reimbursement allowed by Medicare. It also raises the maximum amount healthcare providers can charge to serve as a witness in a deposition or workers’ compensation case.
Building Regulations: New building regulations streamline permit processes, mandating local governments adhere to specific timelines to process building permit applications and to notify applicants of any deficiencies in their submissions. The legislation also modifies eligibility for building code inspector and plan examiners’ certifications.
Financial Protections: Enhanced safeguards aim to shield seniors and vulnerable adults with disabilities from financial exploitation, allowing institutions to delay transactions or disbursements if they suspect financial exploitation. Delays can be up to 15 business days with a possible 30-day extension.
Dozens of Miami High-Rises are Sinking, Per Study
A recent study from the University of Miami has uncovered that 35 high-rise buildings across Miami-Dade County are sinking at alarming rates. The research, conducted between 2016 and 2023, found some structures in Surfside, Bal Harbour, Miami Beach, and Sunny Isles had subsided by up to three inches. Notable properties include the Surf Club Towers, Porsche Design Tower, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, and Trump International Beach Resort. Sunny Isles Beach is the most affected area, with nearly 70% of its buildings showing signs of sinking. Preliminary data also indicates similar subsidence trends in Broward and Palm Beach coastal areas, suggesting a broader regional challenge on the susceptible barrier islands. Experts attribute the phenomenon to a combination of construction activity, soil compression, groundwater pumping, and potential climate impacts such as rising sea levels and erosion of South Florida’s limestone foundation. While subsidence does not always signal structural danger, uneven sinking—known as differential subsidence—could lead to significant damage. Local officials have emphasized resident safety and called for comprehensive building inspections. Researchers raise critical questions about coastal development and potential structural risk, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring to assess the long-term impacts on South Florida’s skyline.
Lawmakers Seek to End In-State Tuition for Dreamers
Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula) is setting his sights on ending the 2014 state law that allows young undocumented immigrants, or “Dreamers,” to pay in-state tuition rates at Florida’s public colleges and universities. Albritton is calling for a measured approach that gradually ends the policy, proposing lawmakers establish a timeline during the legislative session beginning in March. Acknowledging the potential impact on families, the Senate leader said, “If you and your family have built the idea of going to college around this, and you built your budget around it, then a sunset would make sense to me.” This initiative aligns with broader GOP efforts to implement stricter immigration policies. Earlier this year, Governor Ron DeSantis supported repealing the law, arguing that the state should not subsidize education for non-citizens. However, resistance from some Republican legislators, particularly from Miami-Dade, halted the effort. When the law passed in 2014, DeSantis’ own lieutenant governor, Jeanette Núñez sponsored the bill during her tenure in the Florida House. President Albritton’s remarks come days after Senator Randy Fine (R-Melbourne) introduced Senate Bill 90, titled “Postsecondary Out-of-state Fee Waivers,” which repeals the tuition rate discount for undocumented students. The bill will be considered during the 2025 Legislative Session.
Florida Land Swap Deal Faces Stalemate Amid Environmental Concerns
A controversial proposal to exchange 324 acres of state forest for 861 acres of timberland in Cedar Key remains stalled, six months after the Florida Cabinet approved the preliminary deal. The swap, intended to benefit Cabot Citrus Farms' luxury golf resort expansion in Hernando County, has drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups due to the forest’s conservation significance. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection must finalize the deal, but progress has stalled. Moreover, the state Forest Service has not approved the property exchange and Cabot has yet to purchase the Cedar Key timberland, while the required applications remain unsubmitted. Meanwhile, the Acquisition and Restoration Council, which oversees conservation land proposals, has not reviewed the swap. Environmental experts emphasize the ecological importance of the forest, home to rare sandhill habitats, gopher tortoises, and other threatened species. Located in the Florida Wildlife Corridor, the land also serves as a vital link for wildlife. Conservationists hope the delay signals reconsideration, urging officials to prioritize preserving this critical habitat over development.
Orange County Hopes to Revive Film Industry with New Incentive Program
Orange County is taking steps to reinvigorate its once-thriving TV and film industry through a proposed local incentive program. Expected to be presented to the County Commission in early 2025, the initiative aims to attract film productions by offering rebates on local expenditures. Central Florida, once a film production hub thanks to studios like Universal Orlando and Disney, now struggles to retain talent. Industry professionals note the lack of opportunities in Florida, with many performers and crew members leaving the state for work in places with robust film incentives like Georgia, Louisiana, and California. The proposed program seeks to reverse this trend by requiring productions to meet specific criteria, including hiring a minimum percentage of local workers and spending at least $100,000 in the county. Additionally, productions must host public screenings and offer internships to local students. Funded by Tourist Development Tax dollars, the initiative would allocate $22 million over five years, starting with $2 million in the first year. Advocates believe this program could generate $33 million in direct spending and create thousands of jobs. County officials hope reviving the TV and film industry will create local job opportunities, including for the 3,000 annual graduates from Central Florida film programs, stimulate the local economy by increasing spending at local businesses, and generate tax revenue.
Florida Pursues Charges Against Alleged Trump Assassin'
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced the state’s plan to charge Ryan Routh with attempted felony murder following his alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a West Palm Beach golf course. This state-level charge comes despite ongoing federal prosecution for the attempted assassination of a presidential candidate. However, Florida’s case focuses on the high-speed chase involving Routh as he tried to elude law enforcement, leading to a crash on Interstate 95 that critically injured a six-year-old girl. Moody argues this warrants separate prosecution as she emphasized that Routh's actions constituted domestic terrorism. The move defies federal prosecutors’ request for the state to suspend its investigation, citing national security concerns. Moody, however, criticized the Department of Justice’s handling of the case, expressing skepticism about transparency under President Biden’s administration. Governor Ron DeSantis has echoed this sentiment, calling for accountability. The state charges intensify the legal battle surrounding this high-profile case, with federal and state jurisdictions clashing over authority. Routh remains in federal custody.
St. Petersburg Explores Solutions for Vulnerable Sewage Plants'
City officials in St. Petersburg are exploring ways to storm-harden two key wastewater treatment facilities after recent hurricanes shut down the plants, leaving a majority of households with the inability to flush toilets or bathe. A City Council meeting last week highlighted the challenges of protecting the Northeast and Southwest Water Reclamation Facilities, which serve two-thirds of the city’s population. A $70-million project is underway to elevate the northeast plant to withstand an 11-foot storm surge, but experts warn that future Category 5 hurricanes could bring surges exceeding 25 feet. However, relocating the sewage plants was deemed infeasible due to a lack of suitable land. Proposed solutions include building perimeter flood barriers or walls around the facilities, though costs and logistical challenges remain significant. City leaders are prioritizing state and federal funding to accelerate storm-hardening projects, including work to elevate critical electrical equipment and operations buildings at St. Pete’s three water reclamation plants.
Florida Supreme Court Calls for Addition of 50 New Judges Statewide
The Florida Supreme Court has proposed adding 50 judges statewide, citing increased judicial workloads. The recommendation includes 23 circuit judges, 25 county judges, and two for the 6th District Court of Appeal in Lakeland, covering parts of Central and Southwest Florida. This suggestion follows the Florida Judicial Workload Assessment, which identified a need for 55 additional circuit judges and 29 county judges. Historically, the number of requested judgeships has been lower. The court opted for a “reasonable and fair” incremental approach, recognizing funding and logistical challenges such as courthouse space and operational impacts on justice partners like clerks and public defenders. The Supreme Court annually certifies judicial needs for legislative approval, with the final decision resting with lawmakers. Nine new judgeships were approved during this year’s session, exceeding prior recommendations. The proposal reflects the growing complexity of cases, necessitating additional judicial resources to maintain efficiency statewide.
Lara Trump Declines Senate Consideration
President-elect Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, has announced that she is removing herself from consideration to fill Marco Rubio’s Senate seat, ending speculation about her potential appointment. Rubio is expected to vacate his role to serve as secretary of state in the incoming Trump administration. “After much thought and encouragement, I’ve decided to withdraw my name from consideration for the U.S. Senate,” Trump wrote on X, teasing a “big announcement” in January. Her decision follows her recent resignation as co-chair of the Republican National Committee, which had fueled rumors of a Senate bid. However, it is unclear if Trump was on Governor Ron DeSantis’ short list of potential candidates for the seat, despite her securing some high-profile endorsements. DeSantis has previously announced that he will appoint Rubio’s replacement sometime in early January.
FAA Investigates Orlando Drone Show Collision That Injured Boy
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a drone collision during a holiday show at Orlando’s Lake Eola Park which injured a 7-year-old boy on Saturday night. Several drones reportedly collided mid-air and fell into a crowd of a few thousand spectators. The young victim underwent surgery after being struck in the chest by a drone, his mother confirmed. “The blade cut his mouth, and there’s a drone imprint on his chest,” she said. The show was permitted through the FAA, and Orlando officials have pledged cooperation with the investigation. Sky Elements Drone Shows, the Texas-based vendor responsible, has not commented on the incident but is in contact with the city and the FAA. Drone shows require FAA approval, and the agency ensures safety compliance for public protection.
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