Florida has enacted several new criminal laws targeting urgent public safety concerns, ranging from the opioid crisis to reckless driving, prank emergency calls and animal-related offenses. Each law introduces heightened penalties and specific provisions aimed at deterrence and accountability. The following laws took effect on July 1, 2025:

1. Teen fentanyl distribution resulting in death — SB 612 targets the grave risk posed by the distribution of fentanyl-laced drugs by minors. An individual under 18 who supplies fentanyl-laced substances resulting in a fatal overdose can now be charged with a second-degree felony, even if there was no intent to cause death. The penalty is up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Notably, prosecutors may treat these cases similarly to murder charges.

2. Dangerous excessive speeding —HB 351 creates Florida Statutes § 316.1922, criminalizing operating a vehicle at least 50 miles per hour over the posted speed limit or at 100 miles per hour or greater under any circumstances. The crime is a second-degree misdemeanor. First-time offenders face up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. Repeat offenders within a five-year span face up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine and mandatory license revocation for six to 12 months.

3. “Swatting” that causes serious harm or death — HB 279 escalates the penalties for swatting, making hoax 911 calls, if they lead to serious bodily harm or death. Where previously such calls might result in misdemeanors, the new law makes swatting a third-degree felony (up to five years in prison) if serious harm results and a second-degree felony (up to 15 years in prison) for cases ending in death. Mandatory restitution and cost recovery are included.

4. Aggravated animal cruelty — HB 255, known as Dexter’s Law, increases the penalties for aggravated animal cruelty under Florida Statutes § 828.12(2). The law applies a 1.25x sentencing multiplier when the crime involves torture or torment resulting in injury, mutilation or death of an animal. For example, what would ordinarily be a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years and a $10,000 fine, can now result in significantly higher sentences. Furthermore, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement must maintain a searchable database of offenders.

5. Dangerous dog offenses — HB 593, known as the “Pam Rock Act,” makes an owner criminally liable when a dangerous dog causes serious injury or death. Owners now face felony charges, not just civil consequences, with the potential for prison time and heavy fines. The law also mandates microchipping and liability insurance for owners and criminalizes interfering with animal control orders. Euthanasia orders for dangerous dogs are allowed in severe cases.

6. Impersonating a Lyft or Uber driver — HB 1525 makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to impersonate a transportation network company (TNC) driver by making a false statement, displaying counterfeit signage or emblems of a TNC or making other misrepresentations. The act becomes a third-degree felony if done while committing a felony offense.

Anyone accused under these laws should promptly seek capable legal representation. A skilled criminal defense attorney can analyze case specifics, challenge evidence and procedures, negotiate plea agreements and advocate for reduction or dismissal of charges, ensuring lawful treatment throughout the criminal justice process.

At the Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. in Orlando, we aggressively advocate for the rights of defendants in criminal cases across Florida. Call 407-608-7777 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.