New Florida Laws Effecting Southwest Florida Starting October 1

Starting on Tuesday, October 1st, there are 34 new Florida laws that go into effect. Some are specific to other parts of the state, and some are really just book keeping legislation. However, some of the laws will have a direct effect to those of us living in Southwest Florida. Here's the ones that matter in our area.

You'll now be able to sport a license plate for Margaritaville or Universal Orlando. The Villages also get their own custom plate, but it does not come with a loofa. You'll need to supply your own.

This law will allow Collier County to service a larger area in the fight against mosquitos. They even have their own hashtag: #FightTheBiteCollier

One of the focal points of the new Florida laws. This one provides harsher punishments for crimes such as retail theft, porch pirates, and 'smash and grab'. It also changes the designation of a crime where a group of individuals overwhelm the employees to steal merchandise as a felony. Essentially making Florida the opposite of California.

The district that handles public infrastructure around Lehigh which includes areas in Lee and Hendry Counties is expanding. By expanding the boundaries of the district, they can now tax serve more people.

The seller must now disclose any flood damage claims that have been filed for the property, both insurance and FEMA. The new form will also remind buyers that flood insurance needs to be purchased separately from homeowners insurance.

Changes in the way the offenders need to register and new ways to enforce those rules. Also, ignoring address verification from local law enforcement becomes a third-degree felony charge.

This new program will issue "Hope Cards" for people who have been issued protection orders, such as domestic violence. The Hope Cards identify the person who is restrained by an order of protection. It will be a laminated credit card sized card that can help law enforcement who are responding to a violation of a protection order. To put this in simpler terms - you have a restraining order out against someone, that person shows up at your house, you call the cops, you show the card to the cops, they arrest the person.

One of the new Florida laws to protect first responders. If you have fentanyl on you and you expose a first responder to that substance, it is now a second-degree felony. Listen, if a cop asks if you have drugs on you, tell the truth because they're going to find it anyways.

Doing something like putting an Apple Air tag on someone's car, or using an app to track someone's location without them knowing about it is now a a third-degree felony. There are exceptions that still allow you to stalk your own kids, older adults, or if it's your car. And cops. Cops can still track you.

Channel 6 in Orlando has a full comprehensive list of all the new Florida laws if you want a long read. All of these laws go into effect on October 1st, 2024.

Thanks to DiamondHead for giving me a free weekend stay at the hotel in exchange for a fair and honest review.

It's kind of hard to believe that we are approaching the two-year anniversary of the most devastating hurricane to hit Southwest Florida. Some areas are still suffering as recovery has been slow going. However, 2 years after Ian DiamondHead shines on Fort Myers Beach.

I got to experience the hotel this weekend, not just a tour, but a full staycation. The beach resort was one of the first to open after the storm, housing first responders. The resort took on more than 13 feet of storm surge. There are some reports of waves up to 18 feet.

Since then, DiamondHead Beach Resort, which is part of SunStream Hotels & Resorts, has been working round the clock to restore all services and amenities. It's still one of only a few hotels open on Fort Myers Beach.

The 121 rooms have all been remodeled in clean, modern decor. All are one-bedroom suites with a private bedroom and a spacious living area with a comfy pull out sleeper sofa. There is also a kitchenette. The balconys are open-air and each room has a view of the water.

Click here for a short video that gives you a look at the remodeled rooms and a few extras.

Cabanas Beach Bar & Grille has been remodeled too and is open to both guests and the public. The menu is loaded with all kinds of tropical cocktails. The sizeable menu features everything from burgers and tacos to fish dip, salads, and Grouper. There is a little something for everyone.

I was floating in the pool on Sunday with a tropical cocktail in hand, listening to a great band, totally checked out mentally. I looked over at one of my friends who joined me and asked, "Why don't we do this more often?"

I can't remember last time I spent an entire day, relaxing in the water. Enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, no computer, just being present. It's good for the soul.

When was the last time you had a staycation in Southwest Florida? We live in gorgeous part of the world. We don't have to get on a plane, just drive a short distance to enjoy a beach getaway. Now is a great time to getaway when things are a little slower and the beach is less crowded.

Thanks to everyone at DiamondHead for a great stay. The hospitality was fantastic and I can't wait to return. Here are a few photos to get you excited for a visit too.

The beach in front of DiamondHead was looking good this weekend. The resort is in great location for exploring the island too.

The sign at the beach walkway to DiamondHead. The resort's famous Cabanas Beach Bar & Grille is open to both guests and locals looking to drink and dine during a beach day.

This is one of the delicious and refreshing frozen drinks at Cabanas Beach Bar & Grille at DiamondHead. Mermaid Water has pineapple rum, Blue Curacao a lemon slush. I got it because I loved the color and ended up loving the drink too. It was a little sweet so one did just fine.

The pool at DiamondHead is nice and big. It is flanked by two hot tubs in the event you like the warm water too.

Cabanas Beach Bar & Grille has service poolside at DiamondHead. They have a great list of frozen libations. This one is refreshing watermelon.

Cabanas Beach Bar & Grille at DiamondHead has covered seating in front of a stage. It also includes these shaded tables where you can keep your toes in the sand.

My balcony at DiamondHead had a fantastic view of Fort Myers Beach. It was open air so I had a nice breeze and could lean out to get some great photos of the sunrise and sunset too.

The beach in front of DiamondHead is well maintained. They have watersports available for rental as well as beach chairs and umbrellas.