Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law four measures on Friday, enacting changes to first responder mental health classifications, procedures for transmitting court orders, regulations for pet insurance policies, and the continuation of an environmental trust fund.

Expanded Support for First Responders
One of the newly signed laws expands Florida’s definition of a first responder to include support personnel such as crime scene investigators and evidence technicians. These workers will now be eligible to participate in peer support counseling programs, which provide confidential emotional support in the aftermath of traumatic incidents. The change extends existing privacy protections to include this group, allowing them to speak freely with trained peers without fear that their statements could be used in legal or administrative proceedings.

Faster Transmittal of Court Orders
Another measure aims to reduce delays in the enforcement of time-sensitive legal orders. It requires clerks of court to electronically transmit ex parte orders for involuntary mental health evaluations, petitions for court-ordered treatment, and risk protection orders to law enforcement agencies within six hours of issuance. These orders are often used in emergencies, such as when a person poses a danger to themselves or others. The bill also establishes procedures for verifying service and clarifies how electronically transmitted orders are certified and enforced.

New Standards for Pet Insurance
A third bill creates a comprehensive legal framework for the sale of pet insurance in Florida. The law mandates clear disclosures about what a policy covers—including accidents, illnesses, chronic conditions, and hereditary disorders—and requires insurers to define how claim payments are calculated. It allows policies to exclude coverage for preexisting conditions, but only with written disclosure and documentation. Insurers are also barred from requiring participation in wellness programs to obtain coverage, and must clearly separate those programs from insurance offerings. Consumers will have 30 days to review and return policies for a full refund if no claims are filed.

Preservation of the Resilient Florida Trust Fund
The final bill ensures continued funding for statewide efforts to combat the effects of flooding and sea level rise by reauthorizing the Resilient Florida Trust Fund. The fund had been scheduled to terminate under a sunset clause in the state constitution, but the new law removes that expiration and allows it to remain in place. The trust fund supports local and regional projects that strengthen infrastructure and enhance long-term environmental resilience across Florida’s vulnerable coastal and inland communities.