New laws

New Fla. Laws Take Effect On July 1
Laws deal with education, environmental, and other areas

(CBS4)

The Florida Legislature wrapped up their work several weeks ago, but Tuesday marks the day many new laws will go into effect. Laws governing hurricane insurance, energy and climate change, state spending, and teacher ethics are just some of the new laws.

One of the most controversial laws taking effect on Tuesday allows workers and customers to keep guns in their cars when they are parked in lots owned by private and government employers. After the Supreme Court decision doing away with bans of guns in cities, challengers of the new Florida law face an uphill battle.

U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle says he will make a ruling over the challenge to the new law in July.

A new law limiting the amount of greenhouse gases power companies in the state produce is part of a cap-and-trade program. It directs state regulators to set up programs that penalize power plants that exceed limits on carbon monoxide emissions.

Another provision of the law will create a commission to help set future energy policy and strengthen green building codes and standards for appliances. It also simplifies the approval process for nuclear power plants.

A hurricane insurance law extends an existing rate freeze for over 1 million customers of Citizens Property Insurance Corp. through the end of 2009. It also gives state regulators more authority over private companies and boosts the amount Citizens can insure up to $2 million.

The state will try to boost the weakened economy by requiring itself to invest up to $137 billion employee pension plan in high-tech industries in the state.

Tuition increases also take effect for community college and university student. And if you're looking for a divorce it'll cost $45 more this year and speeding tickets jump by a minimum of $17.50.

For parents, a new education law reduces the importance of the FCAT in grading high schools. To compensate, the state will include other factors including graduation rates and participation in advanced classes. Elementary and middle schools will still be graded only on FCAT scores.

The education law seeks to cut down on the so-called FCAT frenzy. It bans activities such as rallies and practice tests during regular school hours. It also delays the exam by a month to give students more time to study.

All new motorcyclists will now be required to take a basic rider course. Previously, only riders under 21 were required to pass the course.