New Laws, Big Changes: Health, insurance, and animal welfare reforms arrive in Florida on Jan 1, 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, Florida rolls out three big laws aimed at health, insurance, and animal welfare. Here’s what changes:

State employees now get breast exams—both diagnostic and supplemental—covered fully by their health plans. No more copays or deductibles. That’s SB 158. Next, HB 655 sets clearer rules for pet insurance. Insurers have to spell things out, play fair, and follow new standards for wellness programs.

Healthcare providers can’t sit on your money anymore. Under SB 1808, they have 30 days to refund any patient overpayments, or they pay penalties.

And then there’s Dexter’s Law (HB 255). For the first time, Florida will have a public, searchable animal cruelty database. The FDLE will run it, helping shelters and rescue groups screen potential adopters and keep animals safer.

These laws join a wave of over 130 bills that kicked in last July, part of more than 250 laws signed during the 2025 session. Florida isn’t standing still.