Several Florida laws went into effect this week after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed them following the 2026 legislative session.
The following are five to know:
SB 432: Intoxicating Substances
Better known as "Meg's Law," SB 432 prohibits licensed tobacco and nicotine retailers (such as smoke shops or vape stores) from possessing, selling, or distributing nitrous oxide on their premises. Nitrous oxide is also known as "laughing gas" and commonly referred by users as "whippets" for inhalation. The bill makes possessing, selling, or distributing nitrous oxide by retailers a third-degree felony punishable by five years in jail and/or a $5,000 fine. It also makes it a first-degree felony and a mandatory three-to-25-year sentence and a $50,000 to $500,000 fine (depending on the grams) for manufacturing, selling, or distributing xylazine, or "Tranq."
Sen. Clay Yarborough (R-Jacksonville) sponsored the bill in the Senate.
HB 559: Animal Welfare
The law makes it a third-degree felony for adults to entice or force a minor to commit aggravated animal cruelty, including dog fighting or sexual activities involving animals. It also makes it a third-degree felony for adults to perform any of the acts in front of a minor.
Reps. Linda Chaney (R-St. Pete Beach) and Johanna LĂłpez (D-Orlando) sponsored the bill in the House.
SB 436: Specialty PlatesÂ
The law authorizes the development of new specialty license plates, including Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), United States Naval Academy, United States Military Academy, Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, Christopher Columbus High School, Florida Film Legacy, Miami Dade College, and St. Petersburg College. Notably, the above plates will require 3,000 presales within two years to be manufactured.
Former Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) sponsored the bill in the Senate.
HB 1293: Fraudulent Entry of Residential Dwellings
The law makes it a third-degree felony to deliberately use a fake identity, forged pay stubs, phony bank statements to enter/take control of a residential property. Penalties include five years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Rep. Sam Greco (R-St. Augustine) sponsored the bill in the House.
HB 757: School Safety
The law makes it second-degree felony to unlawfully discharge firearm within 1,000 feet of school during school hours or at official school activities. It also allows trained staff or faculty carry firearms on campus at public colleges or universities.
Reps. Michelle Salzman (R-Escambia County) and Alex Rizo (R-Hialeah) sponsored the bill in the House.
