WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — On Monday, July 1, several new laws go into effect across the state of Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis signed approximately 200 bills into law.
Click here for the full list of new laws. Some of the highlights:
Texting and Driving
Gov. DeSantis signed a bill last month that would make texting and driving a primary traffic offense punishable by fines.
Autonomous Vehicles
The bill prohibits local governments from imposing taxes, fees and other requirements on automated driving systems or autonomous vehicles that are different than what is imposed on non-autonomous vehicles.
Florida Firefighter Cancer Bill
Florida firefighters diagnosed with cancer will be able to receive a new package of benefits, including the full cost of treatment, a $25,000 payout, disability pay and death benefits for beneficiaries. The bill would treat cancer and cancer deaths like on-the-job injuries and deaths.
Red Tide Initiative
The Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative is a partnership between the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and Mote Marine Laboratory. The initiative includes $3 million a year for the next five years to research the causes and impacts of red tide.
Sanctuary Cities
DeSantis promised to ban sanctuary cities during his campaign for governor last year. Under the bill, local governments would be required to "use their best efforts to support the enforcement of federal immigration law."
Vaping Ban
The law mirrors a similar ban in Florida on smoking tobacco in enclosed indoor workplaces.
Shore-Based Shark Fishing
There are new regulations when it comes to shore-based shark fishing. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission decided to ban chumming from shore to increase public safety. They will now require anyone who will be shore-based shark fishing to complete an online class and get a permit, both free.