Floridas

New Year, New Rules: A Look at Florida’s Legislation Changes Effective January 1

by

Tallahassee, FL — The New Year brings a host of new legislation into effect in Florida this January 1, reflecting the state’s dynamic political and social environment. These laws span a wide range of topics, including increased state benefits, modifications to estate laws, and making consumer litigation potentially more cumbersome. One notable change is the increased death benefits for special risk class members of the Florida Retirement System. Their families will now receive enhanced benefits, shifting from the former $30,000 to a substantial $75,000. This increase aims to provide more significant financial security to the … Read more

Florida’s Transgender Community Faces Uphill Battle as New Legislative Session Nears Amid Rising Anti-Trans Laws

by

Tallahassee, Florida – As Florida gears up for its next legislative session, LGBTQ+ advocates brace themselves for new proposals akin to the recent string of bills targeting transgender rights. Over the last two years, the state has seen multiple legislative attempts to restrict LGBTQ+ freedoms, sparking intense reactions and fears among the community about what future sessions might hold. The past two legislative cycles in Florida have introduced about 55 bills that critics label as anti-LGBTQ+, with a significant number focusing on issues related to gender identity. Although not all were enacted, those that succeeded … Read more

Florida’s Latest Inspection Mandates Stir Chaos Among Condo Owners

by

Tallahassee, FL — A new safety inspection law in Florida is sending shockwaves across condominium communities, signaling potential financial burdens for homeowners. Enacted in response to the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside in June 2021, which claimed 98 lives, the legislation imposes stringent safety inspection regulations on aging condo buildings, drastically altering the landscape for condo owners and associations throughout the state. The new legislation, which took effect in May 2021, requires that all condominiums three stories or higher undergo a “milestone inspection” when they turn 30 years old, or 25 … Read more

Florida’s New Law Targets Public Sleeping: Advocates Voice Concerns Amid Rising Homelessness and Scarce Resources

by

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Every day, including holidays, LifeNet4Families actively assists the homeless community in Broward County, serving nearly 400 meals daily from their local pantry. In the shadows of these essential services, a new state law looms, set to ban sleeping on public property come October 1. The legislation, known as HB 1365, has sparked significant concern among local residents and advocates. Ward Mosely, 65, who frequents LifeNet4Families for support, expressed his resilience in light of the upcoming changes. “We gotta do what we gotta do. We gotta sleep where we gotta sleep,” Mosely … Read more