Do you know which Florida laws will begin shaping daily life across the state this month? While dozens of measures take effect, here are five of the most significant new laws every Floridian should know about.
Refund of Overpayments Made by Patients
Requires health care practitioners, facilities, providers, and anyone who accepts payment from insurance for services rendered by health care practitioners to refund any overpayment made by the patient no later than 30 days after determining that the patient made an overpayment.
What it means for you: If a health care practitioner fails to timely refund an overpayment after they determine an overpayment was made, they can face disciplinary action. If a facility or provider licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration does not, they can face a penalty up to $500.
Public Education of Background Screening Requirements
Requires the Agency for Health Care Administration to create a public webpage that provides a central source for care provider background screening education, regulations and awareness by Jan. 1, 2026, and requires all agencies required by law to use the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse to prominently link to the page.
What it means for you: Information on mandatory background screenings for state health care agencies will be easier to find.
Coverage for Diagnostic and Supplemental Breast Examinations
Prohibits the state group insurance program from imposing any cost-sharing liability for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations in health benefit plans/contracts for state workers.
What it means for you: State regulation already prohibits diagnostic breast examinations without cost sharing. The new law removes cost-sharing for supplemental exams and tests such as magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasounds, etc.
Homeowners’ Association (HOA) Regulations
New rules will require HOAs to provide digital copies of their rules to members and maintain accessible records online. This aims to improve accountability and communication within communities.
What it means for you: The new law limits an HOA’s abilityto place a lien on a home for minor penalties. It mandates a“reasonable” grace period and requires that all fines be clearlyitemized before legal action is taken. All HOA board members mustnow complete a state-certified education course regarding their legalobligations.
Pet Insurance and Wellness Programs
This new law formally recognizes coverage for pet accidents, illnesses, or diseases under Florida law.
What it means for you: Explicitly includes pet insurance inthe definition of “property insurance” and requires companies, selling pet insurance in the state to use specified definitions, make disclosures and enforce consumer protections.
