Here are the five most significant new laws taking effect in Florida this New Year.
1. Zero-Cost Diagnostic Breast Exams (SB 158)
In a major win for women’s health, Senate Bill 158 removes the financial barrier for critical cancer screenings. While standard mammograms are often covered, follow-up diagnostic tests can result in high out-of-pocket costs—until now.
- The Change: State employee health insurance plans are now prohibited from charging copays, deductibles, or coinsurance for supplemental breast exams, such as MRIs or ultrasounds.
- Impact: This ensures that if an initial screening shows an abnormality, patients can immediately access more advanced imaging without worrying about the bill.
2. The 30-Day Patient Refund Rule (SB 1808)
If you’ve ever overpaid at a doctor's office and waited months for a check, Senate Bill 1808 is for you. This law puts a strict clock on healthcare facilities and practitioners regarding overpayments.
- The New Deadline: Medical providers must now refund any overpayment to a patient within 30 days of discovering the error or receiving a request.
- The Penalty: Facilities that fail to return your money on time can be fined up to $500 per violation, giving them a strong financial incentive to process refunds quickly.
3. New "Truth in Advertising" for Pet Insurance (HB 655)
With more Floridians treating their pets like family, the state is finally regulating the often-confusing pet insurance industry. House Bill 655 reclassifies pet insurance as a form of property insurance and introduces strict consumer protections.
- Clearer Claims: Companies must now clearly explain how they calculate claim payments and disclose any requirements for medical exams.
- "Free Look" Period: Pet owners now have a specific window to review a new policy and return it for a full refund if they decide it’s not the right fit.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Insurers must now prove a condition was pre-existing before denying coverage, rather than placing the burden entirely on the owner.
4. "Dexter's Law" Animal Cruelty Database (HB 255)
Florida is taking a harder stance on animal abuse with the full implementation of House Bill 255, also known as "Dexter’s Law."
- The Database: Starting January 1st, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) will host a publicly searchable list of individuals convicted of felony animal cruelty.
- The Goal: This tool allows shelters, breeders, and pet stores to vet potential adopters, ensuring that animals aren't placed in the homes of known abusers.
5. Medicaid Coverage for Severe Obesity (Act 628)
Starting New Year’s Day, Florida’s health benefit plans are expanding their scope to include treatments for severe obesity and its related conditions.
- The Mandate: The law requires coverage for diseases caused by severe obesity for individuals 18 and older.
- Beyond GLP-1s: While much of the national conversation is around weight-loss drugs, this law covers a broader spectrum of medical treatments and conditions where weight loss is a clinical necessity for survival or managing chronic disease.
Bonus: The Crypto Kiosk Crackdown (SB 292)
If you use Bitcoin ATMs (Virtual Currency Kiosks) in Florida, your transactions are about to get more regulated. Senate Bill 292 establishes a new framework to prevent fraud for these businesses.
- Identity Verification: Kiosk operators must now register with the state and implement stricter customer identification protocols.
- Transparency: Machines must clearly disclose all fees (which can sometimes exceed 20% of the transaction value) before you hit "Send."
Important Note on Minimum Wage
While many states raise their minimum wage on January 1st, Florida is on a different schedule. The state’s next increase—to $15.00 per hour—is scheduled for September 30, 2026. Until then, the current rate of $14.00 per hour remains in effect.
