Governor Ron DeSantis has recently signed eight new bills into law, each addressing critical areas such as financial regulations, law enforcement, and affordable housing. These legislative changes are set to take effect on various dates, with some as early as July 1, 2026, and others by January 1, 2027. The new laws aim to modernize regulations, enhance public safety, and support affordable housing initiatives across Florida.
The latest bills cover a broad spectrum of issues, from establishing a regulatory framework for stablecoins to updating procedures for obtaining search warrants. Additionally, the laws introduce new regulations for virtual currency kiosks and make significant amendments to the Live Local Act to facilitate affordable housing developments. These changes reflect the state’s commitment to adapting to technological advancements and addressing pressing social and economic needs.
Regulatory Framework for Stablecoins
The first bill, CS/CS/HB 175 establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for state-qualified payment stablecoin issuers. This framework is modeled after the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act). The bill defines issuers as a separate category of money services business (MSB) and authorizes trust companies to obtain certificates of approval for limited issuer activities. Effective October 1, 2026, the bill prohibits unauthorized issuer activities and sets forth factors and requirements for licensing or approval.
The bill also specifies that certain issuers, such as federally qualified or out-of-state state-qualified payment stablecoin issuers, are exempt from licensing requirements. It clarifies that stablecoins meeting specified requirements are not considered securities. Additionally, the bill updates current laws to apply to stablecoins, including anti-money laundering laws and prohibitions against unlicensed activities. Issuers must annually certify compliance with anti-money laundering and economic sanctions programs to the Office of Financial Regulation (OFR).
Updates to Search Warrant Procedures
CS/HB 359 amends multiple sections of law relating to obtaining search warrants. The bill allows judges to authorize law enforcement officers to appear remotely via audio-video communication technology when seeking a search warrant. It also expands the circumstances under which a judge may issue a search warrant to include the use of drones and the recovery of dead bodies.
The bill extends the timeframe for returning search warrants to the issuing court. For example, search warrants issued to out-of-state providers for electronic communications data must be returned within twenty days, while those issued for DNA analysis and comparison must be returned within thirty days. Search warrants for computers, computer systems, or electronic devices have a return period of three hundred sixty five days. The bill specifies that a search warrant is considered timely executed if the relevant device is seized within ten days of issuance.
Regulations for Virtual Currency Kiosks
CS/HB 505 establishes a regulatory framework for virtual currency kiosks, aiming to protect users by requiring businesses to register with the OFR. The bill mandates that kiosks must ask customers about their daily transaction history and provide notices about potential fraud. It also sets daily transaction limits of $2,000 for new customers and $10,000 for existing customers.
Customers must be offered the choice of a physical or electronic receipt, and full refunds must be provided for fraudulent transactions under specified circumstances. These provisions are set to take effect on January 1, 2027, ensuring a structured approach to regulating virtual currency transactions.
Amendments to the Live Local Act
CS/CS/HB 1389 makes various changes to the Live Local Act, which was passed during the 2026 Regular Session. The bill expands the preemptions of the Live Local Act to permit the development of affordable housing on properties owned by counties, municipalities, or school districts. It also applies to properties over three acres in size owned by religious institutions that have housed a place of worship for at least ten years.
The bill clarifies that the preemptions do not apply in areas subject to land development regulations intended to retain open land, areas of critical state concern, or properties under conservation easements. It also prohibits local governments from using dimensional means to restrict the height of projects authorized by the Live Local Act. Additionally, the bill provides for density bonus incentives for landowners who donate real estate to assist in providing affordable housing to military families.
The bill directs the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to evaluate the efficacy of using mezzanine finance to stimulate the construction of owner-occupied affordable housing and to assess the potential for tiny homes to meet affordable housing needs. The report is due by December 31, 2027.
Revisions to the Department of Financial Services
CS/CS/CS/SB 1452 revises statutory provisions relating to the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The bill makes several changes to the My Safe Florida Home Program including revising eligibility standards for inspections and grants. It clarifies that the program may accept applications from applicants other than low-income or moderate-income persons and streamlines program administration to reduce disputes.
The bill also authorizes public officials to appoint, employ, promote, and advocate for relatives to be firefighters if such activity is part of a competitive process provided for in a collective bargaining agreement. Additionally, it changes the due date of the Three-Member Panel Report to the Legislature from every two years to every five years and extends the time for providers to file petitions with the DFS to resolve disputes.
Finally, the bill specifies licensure disqualification provisions for certain crimes and requires the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services to adopt rules to implement these provisions.
