Florida's New Laws: Social Media, Elections, and More Explained

Florida’s legislative landscape is buzzing with activity as Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed a series of bills into law, marking a pivotal moment for the state. These new statutes, finalized in early April 2025, touch on everything from social media access for kids to protections for vulnerable adults. For residents, it’s a lot to take in, especially when the changes feel like they came out of nowhere.

The bills, known as SB 36, SB 38, SB 40, and SB 42, formally adopt the Florida Statutes for 2025, codifying laws passed during last year’s session. While the signing itself was a routine step, the substance of these laws has sparked conversations across the state. People are asking what these changes mean for their daily lives, from how their kids use apps to how elections might work moving forward.

One standout law restricts social media use for minors, requiring parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds and outright banning accounts for anyone under 14. Supporters argue it shields young people from addictive platforms, citing studies linking heavy social media use to mental health struggles. Yet, parents and tech advocates are split. Some see it as a practical safeguard; others worry it oversteps personal freedom or could limit kids’ access to harmless online communities.

Another change zeroes in on elections, mandating written consent for any voter registration updates, like switching party affiliations. This follows reports of unauthorized changes during past elections, which frustrated voters across the state. Election officials say the rule strengthens trust in the process, but voting rights groups caution it might create hurdles for people trying to update their records quickly, especially in rural areas with limited access to paperwork processes.

Beyond these, the statutes update building regulations to improve safety standards and expand protections against financial scams targeting older adults. There’s also a tweak to healthcare, boosting reimbursement rates for medical providers. These changes reflect a broader push to modernize Florida’s legal framework while addressing immediate needs, like keeping homes safe and ensuring seniors aren’t preyed upon financially.

Florida’s lawmakers aren’t working in a vacuum. The state’s political scene has been a whirlwind, with the Republican-led legislature holding a firm grip on both chambers. Yet, recent special elections hint at growing momentum for Democrats in areas long considered untouchable for them. This dynamic raises questions about whether the new laws will hold up if political winds shift or if they’ll deepen divides among voters already frustrated by rapid change.

Then there’s the budget tug-of-war. DeSantis has pitched a lean $115.6 billion plan for the next fiscal year, packed with tax relief and environmental projects like Everglades restoration. But legislators are pushing back, debating whether to prioritize property tax cuts or sales tax breaks. These disagreements highlight a bigger tension: balancing bold state-level reforms with the practical needs of growing communities, from skyrocketing insurance rates to strained healthcare access.

As these laws roll out, their real-world impact will likely take months to fully surface. Families are already grappling with how to navigate social media restrictions, while election officials scramble to update voter systems before the next big race. Meanwhile, the updates to building codes and financial protections signal a state trying to get ahead of problems like fraud and unsafe infrastructure, even as critics argue the focus feels scattered.

For Floridians, the changes are a reminder of how quickly policy can reshape daily life. Whether it’s a parent double-checking their teen’s online accounts or a voter making sure their registration is locked in, the state’s direction feels personal. As debates continue over where Florida heads next, one thing’s clear: these laws are just the start of a broader conversation about what the state values most.