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It’s a new year and that means new laws have gone into effect in the State of Florida. Below is a review of some of the laws that took effect when Florida rang in 2021.
School Buses
While a law is already in effect that prohibits motorists from passing a stopped school bus or driving improperly when buses are stopped for unloading and loading of children, a new law has further defined the penalty. More specifically, the new law increases in the minimum penalty for motorist who fail to stop for a school bus or drive around a school bus. The minimum penalty for motorists who fail to stop for school buses is now $200 instead of $100. The minimum penalty for motorists who pass stopped school buses on the side where children enter and exit was also increased from $200 to $400.
Minimum Wage
Although a specific law was not passed with respect to minimum wage, the 2004 constitutional amendment had the effect of increasing the minimum wage by nine cents. The 2004 amendment permitted minimum wage to increase due to cost of living changes.
Greyhound Racing
Due to legislative action that occurred in 2018, all greyhound dog racing facilities were required to close as of December 31, 2020.
As it relates to personal injury, make sure you are mindful of school buses and children who are loading and unloading from the buses. Not only have the penalties increased, if an accident occurs while attempting to pass a stopped school bus, then the person responsible for the accident may be subject to a personal injury claim.