New Florida laws coming in 2024, including one that impacts all drivers

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Several new Florida laws go into effect on New Year’s Day.

The new legislation, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis this year, covers a wide range of policy impacting transportation to campsites at state parks.

Move Over

The new law that will impact every driver in the state is an expansion of Florida’s “Move Over” law.

Under the current law, drivers must move over for stopped emergency vehicles, sanitation vehicles, utility service vehicles and construction vehicles when driving on interstates or highways with two or more lanes. If they can’t move over, they must reduce their speed.

Beginning Jan. 1, the law will be expanded to include disabled vehicles that are stopped and displaying hazard lights, emergency flares or emergency signage.

Florida law enforcement will focus on the importance of moving over during a January safety campaign.

DeSantis approves expansion to Move Over Law

“The Move Over Law protects all of Florida’s citizens and visitors,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze. “In addition to providing public service professionals the space they need to deliver critical services, it provides safety to our residents and their guests should they experience difficulties with their vehicle.”

According to FHP, in 2022, 170 crashes and 14,130 citations were issued in Florida for motorists failing to move over. Those who were issued citations were primarily between 20 and 50.

Violators can get pulled over and fined between $60 and $158.

Drivers this out first-hand during a recent law enforcement crackdown in the Tampa Bay area.

“We’re seeing an increase in people just not paying attention when you stop someone and they say they’re not paying attention that’s a problem because you should be paying attention especially when you’re traveling at a speed of 70 or 80 miles an hour,” said Clearwater Police Department Sgt. Daniel Negersmith. “I want people to be home safe as the holiday season family comes first. The key thing is pay attention to what you’re doing on the roadway.”

SB-774: Ethics Requirements for Public Officials

A law requiring more local officials to discuss their financial dealings has already sparked a wave of resignations across the state, including in the Tampa Bay area.

As 8 On Your Side’s Mahsa Saeidi reports, over a dozen mayors and city council members are stepping down in response to the legislation. Under the new law, these officials must fill out “Form 6,” which requires them to disclose their net worth, assets, debts, income sources over $1,000, real estate and even jewelry.

Other public officials, like the governor, lawmakers, county commissioners, school board members and sheriffs are already required by law to disclose their finances. The bill’s sponsors believe all officials should be held to the same standard.

HB-1627: Pretrial Release and Detention

This bill implements changes to Florida’s bail and pretrial detention systems by amending existing law. It tightens up pretrial release options for certain felony offenders depending on their criminal history.

It also requires the Florida Supreme Court to establish a bond schedule and prohibits lower courts from establishing lower amounts of required bail. When setting bail for a suspect, the court can choose to add on conditions in addition to money, like community service, treatment or counseling.

HB-7061: Sheriffs Providing Child Protective Investigative Services

Seven Florida counties, including Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas, allow local sheriff’s offices to handle child protective investigations.

Beginning Jan. 1, those counties must turn over those investigations to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), which currently handles those cases in the 60 other counties.

The bill also allows sheriff’s offices to transfer employees to DCF.

HB-1275: Persons with Disabilities Registry

This bill aims to address concerns over interactions between police and people with disabilities.

The “Protect Our Loved Ones” act allows law enforcement to maintain a database called the “Persons with Disabilities Registry.” It includes “individuals who have a developmental, psychological or other disability or condition that may be relevant to their interactions with law enforcement officers.”

The information contained in the registry includes and individual’s “name, contact information, personal identifying information, and disability or condition that may be relevant to interactions with law enforcement officers,” the bill’s text states.

HB-109: State Park Campsite Reservations

This bill allows Florida residents to book cabins, campsites and RV spots at state parks a month before non-residents.

Beginning Jan. 1, Florida residents can make online reservations 11 months before their desired booking date, while non-residents will have to wait until 10 months out.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.