In Florida, the start of 2026 doesn’t just mark the change of the calendar. Although most of the laws passed during the 2025 legislative session have already been in effect since July, a smaller group of laws – as well as pending provisions of laws already active – will begin to take effect on January 1.
Here are the main laws taking effect in January in the state:
Animal welfare and consumer protection
HB 255: National Animal Cruelty Database (Dexter’s Law)
Florida will create for the first time a searchable public database with the names of people who have been convicted — or who have pleaded guilty or “no contest” — to animal cruelty charges.
The law, known as Dexter’s Lawowes its name to a dog adopted from a shelter and killed a few days later. Although the increased criminal penalties have already taken effect in 2025, the state registry is to be available on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) website beginning January 1, 2026. The goal is to make it easier for shelters and rescue organizations to screen potential adopters.
Criminal sanctions are already in force; The database goes live in January.
HB 655: Pet Insurance Regulations
Starting in January, Florida will officially recognize pet insurance within the definition of “property insurance” and establish new transparency rules for insurers. Companies will need to clearly explain what their policies cover, how they assess and settle claims and what exclusions apply. Waiting periods are also limited, a review period is created to terminate the contract and it is prohibited to present “wellness” plans – such as routine check-ups – as if they were comprehensive health insurance.
Health and medical insurance
SB 158: Comprehensive coverage of breast cancer screenings
State employees covered by state insurance plans will not have to pay co-pays or deductibles for additional breast cancer diagnostics or screenings, including studies such as ultrasounds or MRIs. The measure aims to improve access to early diagnoses without additional costs for patients.
SB 1808: Reimbursement of medical overpayments
Providers and health centers must refund any overpayments to the patient within 30 days of detecting the error. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to $500 for medical facilities and possible disciplinary action for healthcare professionals.
SB 944: Shorter deadlines for complaints to psychologists
Insurers and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) will only have 12 months, instead of 30, to claim overpayments from registered psychologists. The new term applies to services provided on or after January 1, 2026.
Other laws
HB 913: Transparency in condominium and cooperative associations
Although much of this law is already in effect, starting in January, associations will be required to post key documents online, including videos of virtual meetings, minutes, financial statements and other relevant documents, especially in complexes with more than 25 units.
SB 1080: Restrictions on impact fee increases
Local governments that want to increase impact fees for new development will have to follow new rules, including unanimous approval, phased increases and limits on the frequency of increases.
SB 954: Certified recovery residences
Counties and municipalities must establish clear, streamlined processes for approving certified recovery residences – known as “sober homes” – for people undergoing substance abuse rehabilitation.
HB 1105: alternative educational credentials
The Florida Department of Education will issue standardized guidelines on alternative educational credentials, other than the traditional diploma, for students pursuing unconventional educational pathways, that is, pathways other than the standard high school diploma that already exist but are not unified or clearly defined at the state level.
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