From renaming a major airport after President Donald Trump to banning local greenhouse gas mandates.
Florida is preparing for a significant legal overhaul, with roughly 140 new laws from the regular legislative session and three special sessions set to take effect July 1, the start of the state’s new fiscal year.
The changes span nearly every corner of daily life in the state touching on the state budget, transportation, education, business regulation, local government authority, and even pet sales. Among the most high profile shifts is the renaming of Palm Beach International Airport in honor of President Donald Trump, alongside a $114.5 billion state budget that Gov. Ron DeSantis has promised to reduce through line-item vetoes before it takes full effect.
Of roughly 250 proposals that passed both the House and Senate during the regular and special sessions, those without a July 1 date were either signed into law immediately or carry Oct. 1 or Jan. 1, 2027 effective dates. Four additional bills from the 2025 legislative session also become law this week, including one recognizing gold and silver coins as legal tender in Florida.
Budget and taxes
- The $114.5 billion state budget is awaiting DeSantis’ veto pen. The governor has indicated the final figure will reflect the fourth consecutive year of reduced state level spending once he finishes his review.
- A wide ranging tax cut bill is projected to reduce state and local government revenue by $106.7 million in the coming fiscal year. It lifts sales taxes on guns, gun accessories, camping gear, and fishing equipment later in the year, removes taxes tied to two tennis tournaments at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, and cuts taxes for pari mutuel operators on slot machines and cardroom revenue.
- New College of Florida is set to acquire the University of South Florida’s Manatee Sarasota campus, pending DeSantis’ signature.
Transportation and renaming
Several roads and airports are getting new names tied to the president. Palm Beach International Airport is officially being renamed after President Donald Trump. Commercial Boulevard within Lauderdale by the Sea will become President Donald J. Trump Boulevard, though DeSantis has not yet signed that bill. State Road 80, running from Palm Beach County to Lee County, will be renamed President Donald J. Trump Highway. The same bill adds the name of late Florida State University football coach Bobby Bowden to Tallahassee International Airport.
Law enforcement and public safety
A new law called Missy’s Law, named after a 5 year old from Tallahassee allegedly killed by her stepfather and mother in 2025, requires courts to hold individuals convicted of or who pleaded no contest to a violent or sexual crime without the option of release on bond. The stepfather had been free on bond at the time of the crime.
Additionally, volunteer security guards at houses of worship will now be permitted to carry firearms without meeting state licensing requirements.
Education changes
School districts will be required to display portraits of Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln prominently in every public school. Elementary students will also be required to learn cursive writing. High school coaches can now receive additional pay from booster raised funds and are permitted to spend up to $15,000 of their own money per team annually on food, physical therapy and transportation though not recruiting. Marching band participation can now satisfy both physical education and performing arts graduation requirements.
Local government and the environment
Cities and counties will be prohibited from enforcing net zero greenhouse gas emissions policies under one of the new laws. A broad farm bill bans local governments from restricting gas powered equipment such as leaf blowers and sets criminal penalties for cheating on commercial driver’s license exams.
Other notable changes
A new pet dealer transparency law will require disclosure of veterinary records at the point of sale, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will be directed to create a public website listing individuals convicted of animal cruelty. Florida’s official state flagship designation will also transfer from the Schooner Western Union to the Tampa based S.S. American Victory, a World War II era ship built in just 55 days. People with permanent disabilities including amputations will be eligible for lifetime disabled parking permits, eliminating the current four year renewal requirement.