New Florida Laws Taking Effect January 1: What Professionals Need to Know in 2026
Florida enters 2026 with a powerful slate of new laws—spanning health care, insurance, consumer protection, and public safety.
After a packed legislative year where more than 250 bills reached the governor’s desk, professionals across the state now face new standards that will shape the year ahead.
From state employees and insurance agents to real estate professionals and medical providers, these updates matter.
Breast Exam Coverage for State Employees
Senate Bill 158 eliminates all cost‑sharing—including deductibles and copays—for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations under the state group insurance program.
Advanced imaging like MRIs and ultrasounds are now fully covered, making preventive care more accessible and reducing long‑term health risks for thousands of Florida families.
New Consumer Protections for Pet Insurance
House Bill 655 officially classifies pet insurance as property insurance, requiring standardized disclosures, renewal rules, and stronger consumer safeguards.
The law also targets deceptive marketing practices—especially those that confuse wellness plans with true coverage.
This is a significant update for insurance professionals statewide navigating compliance in 2026.
Faster Refunds for Health Care Overpayments
Senate Bill 1808 requires health care providers to issue refunds for overpayments within 30 days of discovery.
Licensed facilities that miss this deadline may face fines of up to $500 per violation, boosting consumer confidence and industry transparency.
Additional Laws Taking Effect January 1
Dexter’s Law (HB 255)
Strengthens penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and introduces a statewide offender database to help shelters and adoption centers vet potential pet owners.
Vessel Accountability (HB 164)
Expands oversight of derelict vessels and launches a free long‑term anchoring permit program—an important development for Florida’s boating community and marine service professionals.
Fertility Preservation Coverage (HB 677)
New state health insurance plans must cover fertility preservation for cancer patients. This removes a major financial barrier during already‑challenging medical treatment.
Condo Relief and Transparency (HB 913)
Condominium associations now face stricter deadlines for posting meeting minutes and video recordings online.
Real estate professionals—especially those working with condo buyers, sellers, and boards—should remain alert to these new transparency requirements.
Child Welfare Enhancements (SB 7012)
Establishes a treatment foster care pilot program and strengthens support services for the child welfare workforce.
These changes aim to boost long‑term stability and improve outcomes for Florida’s most vulnerable youth.
Florida’s 2026 legal updates highlight the state’s evolving priorities—consumer protection, transparent governance, patient access, and public safety.
For professionals striving to stay ahead, maintaining current knowledge is essential.
If you’re building or expanding your career in real estate, insurance, or other licensed fields,
Cameron Academy offers flexible, modern training designed to keep you aligned with Florida’s rapidly changing landscape.
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
Cameron Academy is thrilled to offer the Free Annual Florida Real Estate Sales Associate 63-Hour Pre-License Course Livestream. This exclusive event is an opportunity for aspiring real estate professionals to gain expert instruction, access a comprehensive curriculum, and connect with a network of professionals in the industry. The course will be livestreamed from December 04-15, 2023, allowing you to participate from the comfort of your own home or office. Register now to secure your spot in this highly sought-after course. Spaces are limited, so early registration is highly recommended. Take the first step towards your real estate career today!
Coldwell Banker, a renowned real estate brand, has recently appointed Jason Waugh as the new president of Coldwell Banker Affiliates. In his new role, Waugh will be responsible for overseeing the brand's strategy, operations, and sales for its growing network of franchises. This appointment comes as Coldwell Banker aims to further strengthen its position in the real estate market. With an impressive background in the industry, Waugh brings a wealth of experience to his new position. Previously associated with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Real Estate Professionals for 18 years, Waugh's expertise and leadership qualities make him an ideal fit for this role.
United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), the country's leading lender, has increased its agency conforming loan limits to $750,000. This move, ahead of the Federal Housing Finance Agency's expected decision, applies to conventional and VA loans locked from October 11. The decision offers borrowers greater flexibility and access to larger loan amounts, with the benefits of conforming loans. These loans meet the guidelines set by government-sponsored enterprises like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, offering lower interest rates and more favorable terms compared to non-conforming or jumbo loans.
PNC Bank has implemented a cost-cutting strategy, leading to layoffs and a shift in focus towards expense management and strategic priorities. The bank aims to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reallocate resources to align with long-term goals. Despite the layoffs, PNC Bank is committed to supporting affected employees during the transition period. Learn more about PNC Bank's strategy and its impact on the industry at Cameron Academy, a leading career education school.
Government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) loan buybacks have emerged as a significant issue for lenders in the mortgage market. The sudden increase in buybacks from entities like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is causing financial and operational strain among lenders. The rise in loan buybacks is largely due to stricter underwriting guidelines enforced by these GSEs. The impact of these buybacks is significant and far-reaching. Lenders not only face financial losses from repurchasing loans, but they also encounter operational challenges. The surge in loan buybacks has created uncertainty in the mortgage market, potentially slowing down the housing market. In response to the challenges posed by loan buybacks, lenders are implementing stricter underwriting practices and enhancing their quality control processes.
The housing market is currently witnessing an unusual trend - a deceleration in the growth of housing inventory, despite the rise in mortgage rates. This unexpected development has triggered concerns among potential buyers and industry experts. With mortgage rates climbing from their historic lows, the number of homes available for sale remains surprisingly stagnant. We investigate the factors contributing to this unexpected stagnation in inventory growth and examine the implications of rising mortgage rates, limited new listings, and an increase in price cuts. We also consider the impact of external elements such as labor reports and geopolitical risks on the housing market.
