New State Laws
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Updated: 8:25 PM Jul 1, 2009
New State Laws
Today 65 new laws adopted by the state go in to effect.
Posted: 8:25 PM Jul 1, 2009
Reporter: Mark Vaughn
Email Address: mark.vaughn@wjhg.com

More Of Florida's 161 New Laws
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Today 65 new laws adopted by the state go in to effect.

We told you about the new seat belt law making it a primary offense to not buckle up, and the cigarette tax increase.

There are some other laws you probably aren't aware of.

Some of the new laws will cost you.

July 1st brought about alot of changes in the state of Florida.

If you smoke you'll pay a dollar more for a pack of cigarettes, and not buckling your seat belt is a primary offense and can now get you pulled over,.

Did you know all traffic citations have gone up too?

Jody Wells with Bay County Clerks Office

"The main thing that we've seen is a fifteen dollar increase in all civic traffic fines. Across the board there are 15 dollar additional fees. So if you got a ticket as of midnight last night you’re going to see a fifteen dollar increase."

Motorcyclist Jim Thomas Opposes the Increase "I think it sucks, I get enough tickets anyway."

Holmes County Resident, Marcia Pendoley agrees with it "I don't have a problem with it because it will put people a little more on alert to obey the speed limits if they don't want to pay a higher ticket. Tickets are one way for counties to bring up revenue, so I don't have a problem with it."

The state will also start a database to track which doctors are prescribing painkillers and other addictive drugs to who in an effort combat "doctor shopping."

The state will also be able to collect your DNA for just getting arrested for a felony. Until now, they needed a warrant for your DNA.

The state plans to expand the DNA database to combat crime but opponents believe it's a violation of privacy.

In all 161 new laws are now in effect, some will create more revenue for the state, and others will aim to correct statewide problems.

One way or another they will all have an effect on Floridians.

There will be some more changes coming in September too.

Motor vehicle and driver's license fees will go up on September 1st.

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