New Florida laws taking effect October 1

"One of the most significant changes is the elimination of Florida's commercial rental tax, which has been in effect for decades. First enacted in 1968, it added state sales tax to commercial leases, making Florida unique among the states. As of October 1, the tax will disappear, a measure that is expected to save businesses nearly $1.15 billion this fiscal year and more than $1.5 billion next year."

"Another important measure is the Tristin Murphy Act (SB 168), named after a man with schizophrenia who died by suicide in prison in 2021. The law creates a process for referring inmates with mental illness to treatment rather than incarceration. It includes training for 911 operators and emergency medical personnel, support for veterans' treatment courts, grants for diversion programs, and an expansion of the Forensic Hospital Diversion Pilot Program."

Nearly 30 new Florida laws take effect October 1 across business, housing, animal welfare, mental health, and drone use. The commercial rental tax, in place since 1968, is repealed and is projected to save businesses about $1.15 billion this fiscal year and $1.5 billion next year. The Tristin Murphy Act (SB 168) creates pathways to refer inmates with mental illness to treatment, adds training for 911 and emergency medical personnel, supports veterans’ treatment courts, provides grants for diversion programs, and expands the Forensic Hospital Diversion Pilot Program. Additional criminal-justice changes increase penalties for evading law enforcement and tampering with monitoring devices.

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