Florida News That Impacts You – January 2nd, 2025
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Twelve new laws took effect with the new year in Florida including the Online Protections for Minors law which bans social media access for children under the age of 14 and that requires parental consent for 14- and 15- yearolds. The Voter Registration Applications law is also now in effect which states that changes in one’s voter registration status may only be made in writing. Among the new in force policies is the Annual Adjustment to Homestead Exemption Value, known as Amendment 5, passed by voters in November. The new constitutional amendment provides an annual inflation adjustment for property tax exemptions of homesteaded properties.
- A new study shows Florida is leading all large states in the use of AI to enhance productivity and is sixth overall nationally. The population adjusted survey showed AI use averaging 87 people per 100,000 in population within our state – well above the national average of 75.
- The U.S. 1 bridge in Jupiter has reopened with one lane of traffic in each direction as a multi-year construction project continues to progress. According to officials, the project which began in March of 2023, is now 74% complete. Full lane access in both directions is anticipated this spring with the completion of the project for pedestrians and bikers coming in 2026.
- Today will be cool and cloudy with highs in the low to mid 70’s - cooler than usual for this date. Cooler air will continue to make its way into our area over the next few days.
- Gas prices have risen by eight cents per gallon over the past couple of days. The average price for regular unleaded in Florida is currently $3.12 per gallon. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.25 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.15 and in Indian River County the average is $3.13 per gallon.