New Florida laws taking effect on 10/1/2026.

Here's a rundown of what's taking effect on Oct. 1st. Minimum wage is increasing to $15/hour which will complete the voter-approved 2020 amendment's phase in. This also affect's tipped workers who's base pay will be receiving a bump from $10.98 to $11.98/hour, this is sure to be a welcomed increase in pay for a huge number of our local restaurant and retail workforce. Rental fraud (fake listings, scam deposits, etc) will now be charged as a third degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Great news for potential renters but you still need to be cautious of those local facebok group rental ads. Florida police can make a warrantless arrest for violating a no-contact order, gang-member identification standards are loosening (online admissions now count, fewer sightings required), and a new "career offender" registry will track habitual violent felons like the sex-offender registry does. Lewd exposure to a child under 16 is now a third-degree felony. On the lighter side: drivers won't need to call police for crashes under $2,000 in damage (up from $500), while nitrous oxide sales get banned at smoke shops and gas stations, and "tranq" (xylazine) manufacture outside veterinary use becomes a first-degree felony. Last but not least, fire up your loudest license plate frame because they are now explicitly allowed as long as they dont cover the plate's letters, numbers, or registration sticker's you can frame to your heart's content. FHP, challenge accepted. Get ready to see this puppy out on the road starting this week.