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Here are two new laws going into effect in Florida on January 1, 2025. I obtained this information from Axios Tampa Bay which is a news media service. I thought you would be interested.

HB 3: No one under 14 is allowed to have a social media account. The law tacks on fines and levies civil liabilities on platforms that refuse to terminate the accounts of those below the age limit.

• Websites that feature material that the state deems “harmful to minors,” such as sexual content, must also implement age verification to block access to those under 18.
• Two internet industry groups filed a federal lawsuit against the law, arguing it violates the First Amendment.

HB 135: Voters must give written consent when they want to change their political affiliation.

• The law aims to correct a software glitch at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which swapped some voters’ political affiliations without their knowledge.

Let’s refresh our memories about auto insurance.  In Florida, we are required to carry medical insurance that will pay us up to $10,000, if we are injured in an automobile accident.  We must have $10,000 worth of property damage liability insurance which pays the other person’s car damage, if we cause the accident.   There are penalties if we get caught not having this insurance.

We are also required to carry at least $10,000 of personal injury liability insurance which pays the other person’s injuries, if we cause the accident.  We will not get a ticket if we are caught without this insurance, unless the other person is actually injured, in which case we could have our license suspended for three years.  

Some people do not understand uninsured motorist coverage. This simply means that we can purchase this type of insurance to protect us if somebody else causes an auto accident but has no insurance to compensate us for our injuries.  This happens rather frequently.  In that case I have to tell my client that there is no practical way to recover money for him or her because there is no insurance coverage.    

Sharing these few thoughts with you is intended to encourage everyone to take a moment to think about this to make sure that you and your family are protected when you drive your car.  There are many other scenarios that come up in accidents.    Feel free to call your lawyer.