A look at new Florida bills that could go into law in 2025

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida politicians are getting ready to ring in the new year by proposing bills for the 2025 session.

Although it’s months away, Representative Dean Black says it’s not a surprise other legislators have already filed bills.

“In a normal session, we see somewhere around 2,000 bills or so filed, somewhere around there. You might get 300 by the time it’s said and done that actually get passed into law,” he said.

So far, there are 40 bills on the docket, many highlighting issues First Coast News Political Analyst John Diagle says voters were vocal about during the November election.

“I think you’re going to see a lot of focus during this session on issues that are important to Floridians in terms of lowering their cost of living,” Diagle said. “Childcare is certainly one of those big issues, as is homeowners insurance. A lot of issues related to property ownership.”

Currently, four proposed bills for the state offer solutions for child care and costs. 

Legislators want to create a universal free school breakfast and lunch program, meaning if your child is enrolled in public school, you don’t have to give them lunch money if it’s passed. This would apply to summer food programs as well.

Another is to double the hours offered for pre-kindergarten programs during the summer and school year.

There’s also a bill to expand state employees’ paid parental leave to 12 weeks without taking away from their sick and time off, and another to use campaign funds for child care expenses.

Other lawmakers are suggesting tax incentives to make homes and businesses more energy-efficient or weather-resistant. This may help with Black’s goal of lowering property insurance premiums.

“We’re going to make sure that we’re focused on passing a balanced budget, a lean budget,” said Black. “We’re going to be looking at what the ramifications were of the repeated hurricane strikes that we just had. We’re also going to be looking at affordability and inflation costs that have increased. So we’re going to be making sure that housing affordability is continually addressed.”

But how soon can we see these bills turn into laws? 

Although the bills say they will go into effect July 1, that’s subject to change during the committee process and even on the floor.

“It has to get a hearing, and there are a number of things that go into the consideration as to whether or not the committee is going to take the time to hear it.” Black mentioned.

The hearings for the proposed bills will begin when the session starts on March 4.