As the new year approaches, Floridians are set to see a string of new laws come into effect in January 2024. Among these laws are measures aimed at the pretrial process, state park reservations, a mental health registry, and shifts in child protective services.

The Miami Herald reports that SB 1534 is set to overhaul Florida's pretrial release and detention protocols. Only a judge can now set, reduce, or alter bail, with the Florida Supreme Court tasked with creating a uniform statewide bond schedule. As such, defendants charged with crimes will be subjected to a first hearing where factors including the nature of the offense, evidence, community ties, and any potential danger posed to the community will be considered. The law has particularly expanded the term "dangerous crime" to include manslaughter under the influence and trafficking in controlled substances.

Meanwhile, Senate Bill 784, better known as the "Protect Our Loved Ones Act," will enable local law enforcement to develop registries of individuals with mental health issues. "The registry may include an enrollee's demographic and contact information, and information related to their disability or condition," according to details provided by The Miami Herald. Parents and guardians can voluntarily enroll minors and incapacitated persons in the registry, which, according to the bill, aims to aid law enforcement during interactions and crisis situations.

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is set to retake the helm of child abuse investigations from the sheriff's offices in seven counties, as detailed in SB 7056. This reversion entails a significant handover of responsibilities and funds, with the Broward Sheriff’s Office relinquishing over $15 million in investigative services. In a statement obtained by 995QYK, the move is aligned with the DCF's "renewed commitment to prevention-focused programming."

Florida residents who are outdoor enthusiasts will now have a one-month head start over non-residents when it comes to reserving a spot in any of the state's 175 parks, following House Bill 109. According to The Miami Herald, residents will be able to make reservations 11 months in advance, which is a boon considering they currently make up 61% of all overnight visitors in state parks. Non-residents, on the other hand, are limited to reserving campsites 10 months out.

All of the pending legislation is expected to create a variety of effects across Florida's population, concerning public safety, recreation, and state service efficiency, as a new chapter in state law beckons for 2024.