NEW FLORIDA LAWS YOU SHOULD KNOW – EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026
Happy New Year, Florida! As we kick off 2026, several new state laws are now in effect that could impact your family, your health care, your pets, and more. Here’s a quick snapshot of the most important changes you should know:
Dexter’s Law” — Animal Cruelty Database
Florida now has its first statewide animal cruelty database. Known as Dexter’s Law, it requires the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to publish a searchable list of individuals convicted of certain animal cruelty offenses. This helps shelters, rescues, and the public screen potential adopters and protect animals.
Pet Insurance Gets Clearer Rules
Pet insurance policies will now be treated like property insurance, which means:
• Better disclosure of what’s covered
• Clearer explanations of claims and exclusions
• Agents can’t misrepresent wellness programs as actual insurance
This makes it easier for pet owners to understand what their policy really covers.
Better Coverage for Breast Exams
Under SB 158, state employee health plans can no longer charge copays or deductibles for medically necessary follow-up and supplemental breast exams. This helps remove financial barriers to essential screenings.
Health Care Billing Changes
There are two big updates for health care billing:
• Patient refund rule — Providers must return overpayments within 30 days, or face fines/disciplinary action.
• Reduced repayment window — Health insurers (like HMOs) have a shorter timeframe — 12 months instead of 30 — to seek repayment from licensed psychologists for overpaid claims.
What This Means for You
These new laws affect everyday life in Florida — from how your insurance works to how pets are protected and how health care billing must be handled. And while many bills from the 2025 legislative session have already taken effect, these few officially kick in with the new year.
