Timesharing in Florida: Parenting Rules and Custody Arrangements
New year, new laws and Florida is no exception.
January 1, 2025, marked the start of several new laws in Florida. Two months later, many Floridians are still adjusting to how these changes affect their everyday lives.
Whether you are grappling with a social media ban in Florida for minors or wondering how the latest property tax reforms will affect your wallet, these laws are set to reshape Florida differently.
By now, you have likely heard about the recent law enactments in Florida, but how well do you understand them?
So, here, with a bit more time for reflection and real-world application, this blog provides a deeper look at what these laws truly mean for Floridians — and how you can prepare for their long-term impact.
While others rushed to report the news in January, we are giving you a more thorough breakdown in February with clearer insights.
Let’s dive into the detailed overview of Florida’s new laws effective from January 1, 2025.
1. Social Media Restrictions for Minors – HB 3
Key Points: HB 3 introduces restrictions on social media usage for minors. Children under 14 will be prohibited from having social media accounts, while 14 or 15-year-olds can access them only with parental or guardian consent.
The law also requires platforms to verify user ages and ensure they don’t allow minors to bypass age restrictions.
Also, the bill regulates social media platforms if they meet the following conditions:
| ✔ Allow users to upload content or view the content or activities of other users. ✔ Have a certain number of active users per day, as defined by the bill. ✔ Use algorithms that analyze user data to choose the content for the users. ✔ Have certain addictive features. |
The social media law in Florida seeks to protect children from the negative effects of social media addiction and data exploitation.
With the rise of online dangers, especially related to addictive features like infinite scrolling and personalized algorithms, parents are now more empowered to manage their children’s online activities.
Practical Tips for Parents:
- Regularly review your child’s social media accounts and ensure compliance with age restrictions.
- Set guidelines for social media usage and discuss potential risks with your children.
- Stay informed about the implementation of these laws by social media platforms and how they may affect your family.
Old VS New Rules For Social Media Use for Minors
| Aspect | Old Rules (Before HB 3) | New Rules (After HB 3) |
| Minimum Age for Social Media | Platforms allowed minors under 13 with limited restrictions (COPPA). | Bans children under 14 from being account holders. |
| Consent of Parents | Required only for children under 13 (COPPA). | Required for 14 and 15-year-olds. |
| Age Verification | No verification required; users self-reported age. | The Florida law for age verification wants platforms to verify user age via third-party methods. |
| Content Access for Minors | No legal restrictions on harmful content. | Platforms must block harmful content for minors. |
| Enforcement | Platforms were self-regulated. | Platforms can face fines for non-compliance. |
| Accountability for Non-Compliance | Limited legal enforcement. | Fines up to $50,000 per violation. |
2. Voter Registration Process Overhaul – HB 135
The social media law in Florida seeks to protect children from the negative effects of social media addiction and data exploitation.
With the rise of online dangers, especially related to addictive features like infinite scrolling and personalized algorithms, parents are now more empowered to manage their children’s online activities.
Practical Tips for Parents:
- Regularly review your child’s social media accounts and ensure compliance with age restrictions.
- Set guidelines for social media usage and discuss potential risks with your children.
- Stay informed about the implementation of these laws by social media platforms and how they may affect your family.
Old VS New Rules For Social Media Use for Minors
Real-Life Example:
A voter who recently changed their address might have unknowingly had their party affiliation reset to “No Party Affiliation.” Under the new law, this issue will be addressed by requiring written consent for any changes.
3. Protection for First Responders – SB 184
Key Points: SB 184 establishes a 25-foot buffer zone around first responders. Anyone who violates this buffer zone could face fines of $500 and a jail of 60 days.
This new traffic law in Florida for 2025 explains how to ensure the safety of first responders by preventing physical and verbal harassment while performing their duties.
Additionally, the bill defines “harass” as willfully engaging in a course of conduct directed at a first responder that causes significant emotional distress and serves no valid reason or purpose.
| Additional Info: The SB 184 defines “first responder” as:
|
Potential Challenges:
- Defining the 25-foot boundary can be difficult in crowded settings.
- There could be mixed reactions from communities, especially where individuals feel their rights to protest or engage with public servants are limited.
4. Protection of Specified Adults – SB 556
Key Points: SB 556 provides crucial protection for specified adults (a person above 65 years or older or a vulnerable adult) who have accounts with financial institutions and may be victims of financial exploitation.
Financial institutions are now required to delay transactions if they suspect exploitation, and they must notify the account holder and trusted contacts within three business days.
| Additional Info: Who is a vulnerable adult?
A person 18 years of age or older who is not able to perform the normal activities of daily living because of a mental, emotional, physical, or developmental disability, brain injury, or the challenges that come with aging. NOTE: |
Real-World Scenario:
An elderly Florida resident might fall victim to financial abuse by a trusted individual. Under this law, the bank must intervene, delaying transactions and notifying the senior’s family to prevent further harm.
Actionable Advice for Specified Adults:
- Ensure your financial institution has your emergency contact details on file.
- Report any suspicious activity immediately to your bank and loved ones.
5. Changes to Building Regulations – HB 267
Key Points: HB 267 introduces changes to Florida’s building codes in 2025, simplifying the permitting and inspection processes.
Local governments must now approve permits within set timeframes, and certain home repairs, such as window or door replacements, no longer require sealed drawings if state standards are met.
Long-Term Impact:
- Homeowners and contractors will benefit from quicker approval times for building permits.
- This will likely result in fewer construction delays and a more efficient building process statewide.
6. Modernized Trust and Estate Laws – HB 1093
Key Points: HB 1093 allows trusts to adopt total-return investing and provides an option for existing trusts to convert into unitrusts.
This legal reform in Florida for 2025 aims to modernize estate planning by giving Florida residents more flexibility in managing family wealth.
Tax Implications:
- Florida residents who manage trusts will have access to more efficient tax strategies.
- Unitrusts allow for customized estate management, which may lead to better long-term financial planning.
7. Enhanced Medical Reimbursement Laws – SB 362
Key Points: SB 362 increases the reimbursement rates for physicians and medical providers under workers’ compensation laws.
Increased Reimbursement Rates:
- The bill increases the maximum reimbursement for physicians from 110% to 175% of the Medicare reimbursement amount.
- For surgical procedures, the reimbursement rate rises from 140% to 210% of the Medicare amount.
These changes are designed to ensure healthcare providers are fairly compensated for treating injured workers, which may improve the quality of care for employees.
Impact on Healthcare Providers:
- Medical providers will receive higher reimbursement rates, potentially leading to improved services for injured workers.
- The bill also increases fees for expert medical witnesses from $200 to $300 per hour for depositions. If the expert is paid on a daily rate, that maximum rises to $300 per day.
8. Property Tax Reforms for Homeowners – HB 7017 & HB 7019
Key Points: The passage of Amendment 5 modifies how Florida property taxes are calculated for Florida homeowners with a homestead exemption.
This change aims to limit annual property tax increases, providing homeowners with greater financial stability.
How Will Florida’s 2025 Laws Affect Homeowners?
Let’s know the benefits of property tax reforms for homeowners.
- Homeowners can expect more predictable tax increases, which will help maintain affordable housing costs.
- This reform could also have a stabilizing effect on the real estate market by making housing more affordable.
What are the New Tenant Rights Laws in Florida for 2025?
Reusable Tenant Screening Reports – HB 43 allows landlords to accept reusable tenant screening reports, provided they include specific information. It also prohibits landlords from charging certain fees to applicants using these reports. |
9. Updates to Dental Insurance Claims – SB 892
Key Points: SB 892 introduces significant changes to dental insurance policies, focusing on two main areas:
- Payment Methods: It prohibits insurers from requiring dentists to use specific payment methods, giving dentists more flexibility in how they receive payments.
- Pre-Authorized Claims: Insurers are not allowed to deny claims for treatments that were pre-approved (prior authorization), making the claims process more reliable and predictable for both patients and dentists.
Here is what patients need to know about Florida healthcare law changes in 2025: The main purpose is to simplify the dental insurance process, helping eliminate unnecessary delays and confusion for dental patients.
Benefits for Consumers:
- Patients will no longer be caught in administrative delays, and insurers cannot deny claims for pre-authorized treatments.
- Dental patients can expect smoother, more efficient claims processing.
10. Federal Update: Inflation Reduction Act – $2,000 Prescription Drug Cap
Key Points: The Inflation Reduction Act in Florida introduces a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Medicare recipients starting in 2025.
This legislative update in Florida is designed to make essential medications more affordable for seniors, especially those with high prescription drug costs. Additionally, insulin is capped at $35 per month per covered prescription.
Broader Impact:
- Florida seniors will see significant financial relief with the $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug costs, enabling them to access essential medications without facing financial hardship.
- The law also expands the low-income subsidy program (LIS or “Extra Help”) under Medicare Part D, benefiting seniors with incomes up to 150% of the federal poverty level beginning in 2024.
- This federal law enhances Florida’s healthcare system by lowering drug costs, strengthening Medicare, and ensuring increased access to life-saving medications for seniors.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have the answers to the question: What are the new laws in Florida for 2025?
As the year progresses, several changes in Florida’s state regulations 2025 are reshaping the state. Some key updates include:
| ✔ Social Media Restrictions for Minors – HB 3: Limits social media access for children under 14.
✔ Voter Registration Overhaul – HB 135: Requires written consent for party affiliation changes. ✔ First Responder Protection – SB 184: Establishes a 25-foot buffer zone around first responders. ✔ Protection of Vulnerable Adults – SB 556: Financial institutions must act on suspected exploitation. ✔ Property Tax Reforms – HB 7017 & HB 7019: Adjusts homestead exemptions for inflation and many more laws. |
So, staying updated on the latest Florida policy amendments for 2025 is essential, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice to navigate these new laws.
Governor DeSantis has recently said he backs the idea of ending state property taxes, potentially impacting Florida’s tax system. What’s next?