New Health and Animal Protection Laws Go into Effect in Florida Jan. 1

Five new laws expanding health insurance and animal protections take effect in Florida January 1, 2026.

One law ensures Florida state employee health insurance plans cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations without any out-of-pocket costs.

Another law requires doctors and health care facilities to refund patient overpayments within 30 days or face fines up to $500 per violation.

And there's legislation requiring a shortened window of 12 months down from 30 months for insurance company repayment demands from psychologists and other health care providers. Unless the provider is convicted of insurance fraud.

“Dexter’s Law” also goes into effect. It's named after a dog found decapitated in Pinellas County. It requires FDLE to maintain an online list of anyone convicted of animal cruelty charges.

Also, another law sets new standards for pet insurance policies clearly explaining how claims are paid and give customers time to review and return policies.