By Paul Waldmiller
Did you know that starting January 1, 2026, we will have several new Florida laws that will take effect, impacting various sectors including animal welfare, healthcare, insurance, and public transparency?
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) will launch a public database listing individuals convicted of animal cruelty, including those who have pleaded guilty or no contest, to prevent repeat offenses.
Pet insurance companies will be required to provide clear explanations of how claim decisions are made, disclose rules for required medical exams, and ensure that eligibility is not affected by participation in wellness programs; they may deny coverage for preexisting conditions only if proven and can set waiting periods for certain illnesses, but not for accidents.
State employee health insurance plans will fully cover diagnostic and additional breast exams, including MRIs and ultrasounds, with no cost-sharing such as co-pays or deductibles. Health insurance companies and HMOs will have only 12 months, instead of 30, to request repayment of overpaid claims from licensed psychologists, aligning with the timeframe for other healthcare providers. Additionally, healthcare providers must refund any overpayments to patients within 30 days of identifying the error, with potential fines of up to $500 per incident and disciplinary action for non-compliance.
Other laws include mandatory transparency for condominium associations, a new pilot program for child welfare, and restrictions on impact fee increases requiring unanimous approval and gradual implementation.