Starting January 1, 2026, Florida is set to implement a variety of laws that will impact residents, healthcare professionals, public employees, pet owners, condominium associations, psychologists, and other key players across the state.
While numerous regulations were either approved or initiated in 2025, several incorporate specific provisions, requirements, or implementation dates that kick in with the New Year.
Key Legislation Effective January 1
SB 158 – No Co-pay Breast Exams for State Employees
This law removes any co-pay or cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplementary breast exams within Florida’s state employee insurance program.
What's New? The law expands existing provisions to include tests like MRIs, ultrasounds, and additional studies, ensuring cost-free access for state workers.
Expected Impact: It aims to enhance early detection and monitoring of breast cancer among state employees.
According to the legal text, “coverage must be without cost-sharing under the state group health plan.”
HB 655 – Pet Insurance and Ban on Misleading Practices
This statute establishes a more transparent and equitable framework for selling pet insurance in Florida.
Key Points: Pet insurance is officially recognized as part of “property insurance.”
Insurers must clearly disclose information about exclusions, waiting periods, pre-existing conditions, and veterinary review requirements.
Programs falsely marketed as insurance cannot be offered. Agents are required to undergo specific training.
As of January 1, all these obligations apply to new policies and agents in Florida, marking one of the most comprehensive regulations in this sector.
SB 1808 – Mandatory Refund of Excess Medical Payments
Healthcare providers, medical centers, or any entity receiving insurance payments must refund any overpayment to the patient within 30 days of identifying the error.
Penalties: Non-compliance could lead to fines up to $500 per incident and disciplinary action.
This law seeks to address delays and opacity in refunds: “healthcare professionals must refund excess payments within 30 days of identifying the error.”
Laws with Provisions Taking Effect January 1
Some laws were either approved or activated in 2025 but include critical provisions or legal deadlines that begin to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Here are the details:
HB 255 – Dexter's Law: Public Database of Animal Abusers
Inspired by the case of Dexter, a dog brutally killed after adoption, this law imposes stricter penalties for animal cruelty. Although in effect since July 2025, its most notable provision activates on January 1.
What Happens in January? The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) must establish a public database of individuals convicted of animal cruelty.
Purpose: To prevent individuals with abuse histories from adopting again.
SB 944 – Reduced Claim Periods for Psychologists
This law shortens the period insurers have to submit claims for overpayments to psychologists from 30 months to 12 months.
Although approved in July, it only applies to services provided starting January 1, 2026. This measure is expected to reduce financial uncertainty for psychologists and encourage their participation in insurance networks.
HB 677 – Fertility Preservation Coverage for State Employees with Cancer
Beginning January 1, state health insurance policies must cover fertility preservation services for employees diagnosed with cancer when treatment threatens their fertility.
Important: The law took effect in July without the governor's signature, but its application begins with policies issued from January 1, 2026.
HB 531 – Public Page on Health Background Checks
By January 1, the Agency for Health Care Administration must launch a centralized website with mandatory background check information for healthcare providers.
HB 913 – Transparency in Condominium and Cooperative Associations
From January, associations must post approved minutes, video conference recordings, and affidavits on their platforms as part of new transparency obligations.
SB 954 – Procedures for Recovery Residences
Starting January 1, local governments must establish a simplified and legally accessible process to approve certified recovery residences, also known as “sober homes.”
SB 1080 – Restrictions on Impact Fee Increases
This urban planning law mandates, as of January 1, that any increase in impact fees be unanimously approved, limited annually, and implemented gradually.
HB 1105 – Alternative Documentation for Students Without Diplomas
The Florida Department of Education has until January 1 to issue official documentation detailing alternative routes for students not obtaining a standard diploma, including equivalencies, vocational programs, and work credentials.
SB 7012 – Child Welfare Pilot Program
Before January 1, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) must have initiated a new pilot program for temporary treatment care for minors and workforce strengthening in child protection.
Additional Provisions with Key January Dates
Moreover, studies and reports will be delivered before January 1, 2026:
HB 1359: Study on the viability of a state pawnshop database.
SB 1470: Recommendations for establishing a School Safety Institute in Florida.
SB 2514: Report on incentives and technologies applicable to nursing homes, due January 5, 2026.
Conclusion
While only three major laws fully activate on January 1, 2026, several others contain crucial provisions effective on the same date.
From medical refunds and pet insurance to transparency in condominium associations and animal protection, the new year will bring significant regulatory changes for various sectors in Florida.
It is essential for residents, professionals, insurers, and organizations to be aware of these dates to comply with new requirements or benefit from their provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Upcoming Florida Laws
What are the significant changes in Florida's breast exam law starting in 2026?
The new law removes any co-pay or cost-sharing for breast exams within Florida's state employee insurance, expanding coverage to include MRIs and ultrasounds at no cost to state workers.
How does the new pet insurance law affect policyholders in Florida?
The law requires insurers to disclose exclusions, waiting periods, and pre-existing conditions, and prohibits misleading practices, ensuring transparency and fairness in pet insurance policies.
What is the purpose of the Dexter's Law in Florida?
Dexter's Law aims to prevent individuals with animal abuse histories from adopting again by establishing a public database of convicted animal abusers.
What changes does the new law bring to psychologists' claim periods in Florida?
The law reduces the time insurers have to submit claims for overpayments to psychologists from 30 months to 12 months, applicable to services provided from January 1, 2026.