State leaders across Florida rally behind new enforcement legislation aimed at strengthening accountability and expanding protections for consumers and communities statewide

Tallahassee, Florida – State officials and law enforcement leaders across Florida are lining up behind new legislation aimed at strengthening enforcement authority, closing regulatory gaps, and improving accountability in industries that affect millions of residents and visitors statewide.

In an announcement from Tallahassee, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Melanie Griffin said the agency is backing a comprehensive enforcement bill during the current legislative session. The proposal includes House Bill 1341, sponsored by Representative Rachel Plakon, R-36, and Senate Bill 1394, sponsored by Senator Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers. Together, the bills are designed to give DBPR stronger tools to protect consumers, support lawful businesses, and respond more effectively to violations across the industries it regulates.

DBPR oversees a wide range of professions and businesses, from lodging and food service to alcohol, tobacco, and regulated education programs. Agency leaders say the legislation would modernize enforcement authority and improve coordination among state and local partners, allowing faster action against unlicensed operators and serious violators.

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to prioritize public safety, accountability, and effective government,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “HB 1341/SB 1394 strengthens enforcement where it matters most, helping DBPR take decisive action against bad actors, support responsible businesses, and better protect Floridians.”

A major focus of the legislation is expanding the authority of sworn law enforcement officers within DBPR’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. Under the bill, ABT officers would be authorized to investigate, enforce, and prosecute violations involving DBPR licensees and unlicensed activity on a statewide basis, consistent with existing law. Supporters say this change would reduce delays caused by jurisdictional limits and improve consistency in enforcement.

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Another key provision addresses the growing concern over recreational misuse of nitrous oxide, particularly among young people. The legislation would prohibit retail vape shops and gas stations from selling or distributing nitrous oxide and would give the state clearer authority to regulate how certain licensed businesses sell and market these products. This includes restrictions on packaging that appears designed to appeal to children, while allowing for defined exceptions.

“‘Meg’s Law’ is about preventing another family from experiencing an avoidable tragedy. The bill takes direct aim at recreational nitrous oxide misuse by restricting sales in high-risk retail settings and giving the state stronger tools to regulate how these products are marketed, especially when packaging is designed to appeal to kids. This is a commonsense step to protect Florida’s young people and hold bad actors accountable,” said Representative Rachel Plakon, R-36.

The legislation also seeks to strengthen employment eligibility verification by enhancing enforcement related to E-Verify requirements and improving notification between agencies. Lawmakers say this would help ensure businesses are complying with state and federal employment laws, while reducing unfair competition from operators who cut corners.

Additional provisions focus on protecting minors in areas regulated by DBPR, increasing oversight and reporting requirements in regulated education programs, and improving transparency and accountability. Supporters argue these measures will give regulators clearer insight into problem areas and help identify risks earlier.

Public lodging and food service enforcement is another area targeted by the bill. The legislation would expand enforcement options for cases involving businesses operating without the required licenses, an issue officials say can pose health and safety risks while undermining compliant operators.

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“Unlicensed activity and serious violations undermine consumer trust, hurts legitimate businesses, and clogs our courts. This legislation strengthens the enforcement framework and coordination DBPR, and its partners need to act quickly and apply the law consistently statewide. The standard should be fair to all, clear, and enforcement should be certain,” said Senator Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers.

The bill also includes measures aimed at protecting the integrity of professional licensure. These provisions support identity verification and work authorization validation processes, helping ensure licenses are issued and maintained lawfully, in line with existing legal standards.

Law enforcement leaders say the legislation would close long-standing gaps that allow some offenders to exploit confusion or inconsistent enforcement across jurisdictions.

“Bad actors count on confusion and gaps in enforcement. This bill helps close those gaps. With stronger coordination and clear authority, we can move quickly, stop illegal activity, and hold offenders accountable,” said Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil.

Supporters emphasize that the legislation is not intended to burden responsible businesses but rather to level the playing field by ensuring consistent enforcement across the state. By improving coordination between DBPR, law enforcement, and other agencies, officials say the bills would reduce duplication, speed up investigations, and improve outcomes for consumers.

As the legislative session continues, HB 1341 and SB 1394 are expected to draw attention from business groups, consumer advocates, and public safety organizations. For DBPR, the measures represent a push to modernize enforcement tools in response to evolving challenges, with the stated goal of keeping Florida’s marketplace safe, fair, and accountable for everyone involved.