TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — Nearly 30 new laws officially took effect on October 1, covering everything from mental illness to leaving pets behind in hurricanes, with one of them catching the attention of drivers.

House Bill 113, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, increases the penalties for individuals who are fleeing and eluding law enforcement officers trying to pull them over.

Bill sponsor of the new law, State Rep. Ryan Chamberlin (R-Belleview), said previous penalties didn't go far enough. "Many of you may remember that last year we bowed our heads in a moment of silence for state Trooper Zachary Fink," Chamberlin said on the House floor.

Trooper Fink died in a crash during a high-speed chase in St. Lucie County in 2024, inspiring lawmakers to take a hard look at possible so

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