DeSantis Signs 9 Key Florida Laws in Tallahassee Push

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday approved nine bills, bringing the tally of new 2026 laws to nearly 60 as the legislative session winds down. Signed during a busy week, the measures address traffic offenders, private security at places of worship, airport fees and body cameras for code inspectors, with most effective July 1.[1] Key among them, House Bill 35 redefines 'habitual traffic offender' to include driving without a valid license, aiming to curb repeat violations on Florida roads. Senate Bill 52 exempts armed volunteer security at churches, mosques and synagogues from state private security regulations, enhancing protections amid rising concerns in communities like those in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 422 bars airports from using ADS-B data to charge fees on small aircraft under 12,499 pounds, a win for general aviation pilots operating out of fields like Tampa Executive or Ocala International.[1] Immediate impacts hit Pasco and Lake counties: House Bill 4037 extends term limits for Pasco County Mosquito Control District board members to three terms starting in the 2026 election, vital for battling the region's Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that spread diseases. House Bill 4019 caps healthcare costs for Lake County jail inmates at 110% of Medicare rates for non-contracted providers, mirroring similar limits in Indian River and Polk counties via HB 4041 and HB 4059. Senate Bill 7000 preserves public records exemptions for emergency shelter volunteers' contact info, crucial after hurricanes like Ian devastated Southwest Florida.[1][2] Other laws tighten body camera policies for code inspectors (SB 504, SB 506) and revise funeral services regulations (SB 598), while Senate Bill 7026 shields trade secrets in public records. DeSantis, speaking from the Capitol, emphasized public safety and efficiency, with the batch following six earlier signs including highway namings like the 'President Donald J. Trump Highway' in South Florida.[1][2]