Florida’s legislature continues to reshape the legal landscape for businesses, employees, landlords, and property owners. Several new laws took effect on January 1, 2026, with more arriving July 1. If you own a business, employ workers, or manage property in South Florida, these changes affect you.

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1. Florida CHOICE Act: Non-Compete Agreements Overhauled

Effective July 1, 2025 and reshaping how Florida businesses operate in 2026, the Contracts Honoring Opportunity, Investment, Confidentiality, and Economic Growth (CHOICE) Act significantly strengthened employer rights in non-compete enforcement.

Under the CHOICE Act, employers can now enter enforceable non-compete and garden leave agreements with high-earning employees, defined as those earning more than twice the mean annual wage in the county where the employer operates. Depending on the county, that threshold ranges from approximately $80,000 to $150,000. Healthcare professionals are expressly excluded.

For an agreement to be enforceable, employers must provide it in writing at least 7 days before an offer expires and employees must acknowledge receipt of confidential information or customer relationships. Florida is now one of the most employer-friendly non-compete states in the country.

What this means for you: Existing non-compete agreements should be reviewed against the new standards. Employees subject to these agreements have different rights and options than under prior law.

Facing a non-compete dispute in Florida? Schedule a free consultation with Ludwin Law Group or call (561) 455-4455.

2. Protected Series LLCs Now Available in Florida

Effective July 1, 2026, Florida law allows the formation of protected series limited liability companies. A single Florida LLC can now establish multiple protected series, each with its own members, managers, assets, and liabilities treated as legally distinct.

The key benefit is a horizontal liability shield: creditors of one series cannot reach the assets of another series or the parent LLC. This structure is particularly valuable for real estate investors, holding companies, and businesses managing multiple lines of operations under one entity.

3. Landlord-Tenant Law: New Protections for Domestic Violence Victims

House Bill 107, effective in 2026, prohibits Florida landlords from evicting tenants or terminating rental agreements solely because a tenant or the tenant’s minor child is a victim of actual or threatened domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, or stalking.

Additional 2026 amendments to Florida landlord-tenant law require landlords to explicitly disclose non-standard fees and prohibit certain surcharges. Debt-trap fee structures are now illegal under the updated statute.

Landlord-tenant dispute in South Florida? Contact Ludwin Law Group for a free consultation or call (561) 455-4455.

4. E-Verify Now Required for All Florida Employers

House Bill 197 removes the prior threshold of 25 employees, requiring all private employers in Florida to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm work authorization, regardless of company size. Businesses that have not yet implemented E-Verify compliance procedures need to do so now.

5. Faster Medical Refunds Required

Senate Bill 1808, effective January 1, 2026, requires healthcare practitioners to refund patient overpayments within 30 days. Failure to comply carries fines of up to $500 per incident. The law is designed to reduce billing disputes and increase transparency in healthcare payments.

6. Dexter’s Law: Public Animal Cruelty Database

HB 255, effective January 1, 2026, directs the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to publish a public database listing individuals convicted of or who pleaded no contest to animal cruelty offenses. The law was named after a dog who was killed after being adopted. The database is intended to prevent people with cruelty histories from adopting or purchasing animals.

7. Pet Insurance Transparency Requirements

HB 655, effective January 1, 2026, requires pet insurance companies to provide clearer disclosures about claims payment formulas, waiting periods, preexisting condition exclusions, and wellness program requirements. Insurers must offer a 30-day review period for policy refunds and are prohibited from requiring wellness programs as a condition of coverage.

8. Reduced Overpayment Claim Window for Psychologists

Senate Bill 944 reduces the window for insurance companies to pursue overpayment claims against psychologists from 30 months to 12 months, effective January 1, 2026. The change streamlines billing disputes and reduces long-tail liability for mental health practitioners.

Questions About How These Laws Affect You?

Several of these changes create new legal exposure or new rights depending on your situation. Business owners should review non-compete agreements and employment verification procedures. Landlords should audit lease agreements and fee disclosures. Anyone facing a dispute involving contracts, employment, or property should understand how the 2026 changes affect their position.

Ludwin Law Group handles civil litigation, business disputes, and landlord-tenant matters in South Florida. Contact the firm for a free consultation or call (561) 455-4455.

New Florida Laws 2026: What South Florida Residents and Business Owners Need to Know