Mandatory Driver’s Ed Before Learner’s Permit – Senate Bill 994
Effective on July 1st, 2025. Florida teens from the age of 15 to 17 must complete a driver education course approved by the state before obtaining their learner’s permit. This new mandatory course, which is 6 hours, will replace the previously required 4-hour course -TLSAE (Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education). The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles must approve the course. An approved option is provided by Florida Virtual School.
Dexter’s Law – HB 255: Tougher Penalties & Public Registry for Animal Cruelty
This new law honors the shelter dog that was found decapitated after adoption, prompting its name “ Dexter’s Law”. This requires the FDLE, starting 1/01/26, to publish an online registry of individuals who are convicted under aggravated animal cruelty statutes. It also introduces a sentencing multiplier to increase the seriousness of punishment.
Comprehensive Anaphylaxis Policy in K–8 Schools – SB 1514
This law implements a new statewide policy in public and charter schools from Kindergarten to 8th grade. This ensures that adequate personnel are trained for situations with anaphylactic reactions. This includes epinephrine auto-injectors. It focuses on maintaining each student’s emergency action plan. The Department of Health is to adopt these rules by October 1st of this year. (Link)
Mandatory EKG Screenings for High School Athletes to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Death
This law requires EKG ( electrocardiogram screening ) for student athletes in grades 9th through 12th. Annual EKGs must happen at least once under the athletic eligibility policy. It aims to prevent sudden cardiac death in student athletes due to unknown and undiagnosed heart conditions. It ensures that student athletes must be cleared by medical professionals before participating.
Florida Schools Authorized to Keep Emergency Glucagon On-Site to Support Students with Diabetes
This new law will authorize Florida public and charter schools to maintain undesignated glucagon on campus. The supply must be kept in a secure area where it can be immediately accessible at any time. The authorized staff must use Glucagon according to the diabetic student’s care plan. After it has been used, the staff is required to call emergency services and notify the school nurse and the legal guardians. This is an urgent legislation since thousands of Florida Students are managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Pam Rock Act – HB 593: Strengthened Dangerous Dog Laws
This law introduces stricter regulations for dogs that have been deemed dangerous. This will enhance public safety for pedestrians while also holding pet owners accountable. For dogs who are involved in incidents where they have been killed, bitten, or any incident that scores a 5 or higher on the Dunbar Bite scale, they are immediately confiscated. The owner then must follow the following requirements: have a minimum of $100,000 in liability insurance, the dog must be microchipped, neutered, and up to date with rabies vaccinations. Owners who fail to comply with the law or whose dog causes severe injury or death will face increased penalties, including a first-degree misdemeanor.
Lucy’s Law – HB 289: Strengthening Boating Safety in Florida
This law introduces stricter penalties for reckless boating and fleeing the scene. This law requires boat operators who haven’t been Florida residents for at least five years to obtain a boater safety card. This law comes from the tragic death of 15-year-old Luc Fernandez in a 2022 Miami boat Accident.
Criminally Informed 
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