Cigarette tax hike among 161 Florida laws changes

The cost of smoking cigarettes goes up today - and so does the cost of replacing that used schoolbook your kid left out in the rain.

Those and 159 other new laws take effect, the start of the state's fiscal year 2009-10. Here's a peek at some of the changes made by the Legislature and Gov. Charlie Crist that go into force:

Cigarette tax increases by $1 per pack. As well, there is a new surcharge on other tobacco products, equal to 60 percent of the wholesale price. Cigars, however, are excluded.

Families must pay full price for damaged or lost textbooks. School principals previously had an option of discounting the price of replacing a book if it had been in use for more than a year. No more discounts from now on.

Spend eternity at your old school. Florida universities will now be able to designate space on-campus for storing the ashes of deceased alumni who request it.

"Zero tolerance" school rules get more specific. The law clarifies that public schools do not have to report instances of "petty" misdemeanors -- like stealing lunch money or toilet-papering the gymnasium - to law enforcement.

Boosting sex offender registry requirements. Sex offenders and predators will have to provide home and cell phone numbers when they register with law enforcement. Additionally, people convicted of traveling to meet and engage a minor in illegal sexual activity will have to register as a sexual predator or offender. Lawmakers made such travel a crime in 2007, but for technical reasons, committing that offense alone did not trigger the requirement to register as a predator or offender.

Green energy rebates in the works. The Florida Energy and Climate Commission will start working on a rebate program for consumers who buy residential energy-efficient appliances.

Vietnam vets can get diplomas. The state may now award high school diplomas to honorably discharged Vietnam War veterans who were drafted into service prior to graduating.

Child advocates can intervene in divorce proceedings. A court can now appoint a guardian ad litem advocate to look after the interests of a child in a nasty divorce case, even if there is no evidence or allegation of abuse.

More drug-addicted offenders can go into treatment instead of prison. The state makes substance abuse treatment an option for more nonviolent offenders with substance abuse problems, including those charged with violating probation solely due to failing a drug test

Recent changes: These new laws recently took effect

Increased court filing fees. On June 1, the cost of filing a civil suit in circuit court increased from $295 to $395. Exceptions: child abuse, domestic violence, divorce, custody, child support and paternity cases, which remain at $295.

"Click it or ticket." That slogan from the National Highway Safety Administration takes on new meaning today in Florida, where not wearing a seat belt becomes a primary offense. Previously, police could write a ticket for that offense only if they pulled you over for something deemed more serious, like speeding. Now they can pull you over and write a citation just for not wearing the belt.

On deck: Here are a few more new changes coming later this year:

New shoreline fishing license required. Beginning July 15, saltwater shoreline fishing will require a $7.50 license. Exempted: those age 65 and up.

Pay more for a driver's license. Starting Sept. 1, new Class E licenses will cost $48 instead of $27; renewals will cost $48 instead of $20. Replacing a license will cost $25, up from $10. Reinstating a suspended license will cost $45, up from $35. Reinstating a revoked license will cost $75, up from $60.

Pay more to register a car. Also starting Sept. 1, initial car registrations will cost $225 instead of $100. The price of renewals will increase as well, from $46.10 for most vehicles to $71.15. Certificates of title will cost $70 instead of $24.

Tuition increases for university students. Tuition rises 8 percent at universities statewide this fall - and in addition, most are exercising a new option to raise tuition another 7 percent.

Additional tuition for perpetual students. Beginning with the 2009-10 school year, universities can charge students an "excess hour surcharge" for taking more classes than required for graduation. Surcharge will equal 50 percent of the tuition rate for each credit hour, in excess of 120 percent of the number of extra credit.

Tougher penalties for ignoring school buses. Effective Oct. 1, the $100-$200 penalty for failing to stop for a school bus rises by $65.

Conservation vehicle tags cost more. Also on Oct. 1, the Conserve Wildlife license plate will cost $25 instead of $15, and the Save the Manatee plate will cost $25 instead of $20. The extra charge will support wildlife conservation and research programs.