Gov. Ron DeSantis signed four bills into Florida law on Friday, specifically regarding peer support for first responders, mandatory electronic transmission of court documents, pet insurance regulation, and the reestablishment of the Resilient Florida Trust Fund.
You can view the bills signed by Gov. DeSantis here.
Peer support for first responders (HB 421) broadens the definition of "first responder" to include law enforcement agency support personnel involved in investigating a crime scene or
collecting or processing evidence.
The bill makes them eligible for peer support services and allows for confidentiality in their peer support communications, similar to officers, firefighters, and other first responders.
Rep. Randy Maggard (R-Dade City) filed the House bill while Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) carried the identical Senate version.
The bill goes into effect on July 1.
Electronic transmission of court documents (HB 513) directs the clerks of court to electronically transmit legal documents such as Baker Act orders, Marchman Act summons, and risk protection orders within a specified timeframe. Moreover, it requires them to certify electronic copies of risk protection orders and mandates that such copies be served in the same manner as certified copies.
Rep. Richard Gentry (R-Astor) filed the House bill. Sen. Tom Wright (R-Port Orange) carried a similar Senate version.
The bill goes into effect on July 1.
Pet insurance regulation (HB 655) creates a regulatory framework for the oversight of pet insurance by the Office of Insurance Regulation, including consumer protections, policy
disclosures regarding benefits and exclusions, and the right to rescind a policy within 30 days
of issuance.
Rep. Kaylee Tuck (R-Lake Placid) filed the House bill. Sen. Nick DiCeglie (R-Indian Rocks Beach) sponsored the Senate version.
The bill goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
Re-establishment of the Resilient Florida Trust Fund (HB 1313) creates the Resilient Florida Trust Fund in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). It also rescinds the scheduled termination of the trust fund.
Rep. Jim Mooney (R-Islamorada) filed the House bill. Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-Doral) carried the identical Senate version.
The bill goes into effect on July 1.
