Meeting Packet — Transportation & Economic Development Budget Subcommittee (January 29, 2026)

Summary

This meeting packet is for the Florida House of Representatives Transportation & Economic Development Budget Subcommittee meeting of Thursday, January 29, 2026. The notice lists CS/HB 243 Electric Bicycles and CS/HB 679 Registration of Trademarks. The bill analysis for CS/HB 243 says the bill creates a nine-member Electric Bicycle Safety Task Force that must submit a report by October 1, 2026, and an e-bike crash data collection and reporting process. It also says violations of the e-bike operating requirements are noncriminal traffic infractions, and that the fiscal impact may be negative but insignificant.

Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used

Issuer: Congressional materials
Document type: 2026 01 29 3284 Transportation Economic Development Budget Subcommittee Meeting Packets Fn
Date: 2026-01-29
Case: 2026 01 29 3284 Transportation Economic Development Budget Subcommittee Meeting Packets Fn Ted 1 29 26

Cite this document

“Meeting Packet — Transportation & Economic Development Budget Subcommittee (January 29, 2026).” Original at www.flhouse.gov, dated 2026-01-29. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/2026-01-29-2026-01-29-3284-transportation-economic-development-budget-subcommittee-meeting-packets-fn-ted-1-29-26/, SHA-256 a2eb39697bbd2065cafd3c01ea75475812d186417c438a9d56d620756e14e8b9.

Full text

Transportation & Economic
Development Budget Subcommittee
Thursday, January 29, 2026
12:30pm
Mashburn Hall (314 HOB)

MEETING PACKET

Daniel Perez Jason Shoaf
Speaker Chair
Committee Meeting Notice
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Transportation & Economic Development Budget Subcommittee

Start Date and Time: Thursday, January 29, 2026 12:30 PM

End Date and Time: Thursday, January 29, 2026 02:30 PM

Location: Mashburn Hall (314 HOB)
Duration: 2.00 hrs

Consideration of the following bill(s):

CS/HB 243 Electric Bicycles by Government Operations Subcommittee, Benarroch
CS/HB 679 Registration of Trademarks by Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee, Greco

NOTICE FINALIZED on 01/27/2026 4:31PM by SKB

01/27/2026 04:31:35PM Leagis ® Page 1 of 1
CS/HB 243
FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
BILL ANALYSIS
This bill analysis was prepared by nonpartisan committee staff and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
BILL #: CS/HB 243 COMPANION BILL: CS/SB 382 (Truenow)
TITLE: Electric Bicycles LINKED BILLS: None
SPONSOR(S): Benarroch RELATED BILLS: None
Committee References
Government Operations Transportation & Economic State Affairs
18 Y, 0 N, As CS  Development Budget 

SUMMARY
Effect of the Bill:
The bill creates a nine-member Electric Bicycle (e-bike) Safety Task Force, adjunct to the Department of Highway
Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), that is required to submit a report by October 1, 2026, to the Legislature and
the Governor that recommends improvements to state law and the regulatory framework governing e-bikes.
Additionally, the bill creates an e-bike crash data collection and reporting process that requires local law
enforcement agencies and Florida Highway Patrol to collect and submit specified information related to crashes
involving e-bikes to DHSMV, from which DHSMV is required to create a summary report. Lastly, the bill specifies
requirements for the operation of e-bikes on certain areas or pathways and that those who violate such
requirements commit a noncriminal traffic infraction.

Fiscal or Economic Impact:
The bill may have a negative, but insignificant, fiscal impact to state and local government expenditures associated
with the creation of a task force and electric bicycle crash data collection, which is expected to be absorbed within
existing department resources.

JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY

ANALYSIS
EFFECT OF THE BILL:
Electric Bicycle Regulations
The bill provides that a person operating an e-bike on:
• A shared pathway that is not located adjacent to a roadway, including a shared pathway located in a park or
recreational area, must:
o Yield to any pedestrian.
o Give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.
• A sidewalk or any other area designated for pedestrian use may not operate an e-bike at a speed greater
than 10 miles per hour when a pedestrian is within 50 feet of the e-bike. (Section 1)

A person who fails to comply with these e-bike regulations commits a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as
a nonmoving violation. (Section 1)

Electric Bicycle Safety Task Force
The bill creates an Electric Bicycle Safety Task Force (task force), adjunct to the Department of Highway Safety and
Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), with a designated purpose to examine and recommend improvements to state law and
the regulatory framework governing e-bikes in order to encourage the safe operation of e-bikes and to prevent
traffic incidents, injuries, and fatalities involving such bicycles. DHSMV is responsible to provide administrative
and staff support services related to the functions of the task force. (Section 2)

STORAGE NAME: h0243a.TED
DATE: 1/27/2026
1
CS/HB 243

Membership
The bill provides that the task force must be composed of DHSMV’s executive director, or his or her designee; the
secretary of the Department of Transportation, or his or her designee; along with the following members, which
must be appointed by DHSMV’s executive director:
• A representative from the Florida Sheriffs Association.
• A representative from the Florida Police Chiefs Association.
• A representative from the e-bike industry.
• A representative from the Florida League of Cities.
• A representative from the Florida Association of Counties.
• A representative from the medical field with experience in treating bicyclist and pedestrian injuries.
• A representative from an organization involved in efforts to prevent bicycle, including e-bike, injuries and
fatalities. (Section 2)

Members of the task force must be appointed within 15 days after the bill becomes a law and DHSMV’S executive
director, or his or her designee, must chair the task force. Any vacancy on the task force must be filled in the same
manner as the original appointment. Members of the task force must serve without compensation, but are
authorized to receive reimbursement for per diem and travel expenses. (Section 2)

Meetings
All task force meetings are to be held at the time and place designated by the chair. The task force must meet at
least monthly, but may meet more frequently at the call of the chair; however, the task force must first convene no
later than 30 days after the bill becomes law. At least one meeting of the task force must occur in each of the
following regions of the state:
• North Florida.
• Central Florida.
• South Florida. (Section 2)

Report
The task force is required to prepare and submit a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the
Speaker of the House of Representatives before October 1, 2026. This report must include legislative
recommendations for improvements to state law and the regulatory framework governing e-bikes. The report is
recommended to take into account methods to improve traffic safety for e-bike operators and riders, pedestrians,
and other vehicle operators, through reasonable measures designed to reduce traffic incidents, injuries, and
fatalities. Upon the submission of the report, the task force will expire. (Section 2)

State Tabulation of Electric Bicycle Crash Data
The bill provides that 30 days after it becomes effective, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and every police
department and sheriff's office in the state is required to maintain a list of all the traffic crashes that each
respective agency investigates involving an e-bike. Each e-bike crash must be included in the list regardless of
whether the crash is reported on a long or short form traffic crash report or a driver exchange-of-information form.
Each entry in the record must contain the following information concerning each e-bike crash:
• Date and time of the crash.
• Class of e-bike involved in the crash.
• Age of the e-bike operator involved in the crash.
• If known, whether the e-bike operator possessed a valid Florida learner's driver license or driver license at
the time of the crash. (Section 3)

By October 15, 2026, every police department and sheriff's office in the state is required to submit a report to
DHSMV that contains a list of all e-bike crashes investigated by each agency from the beginning of the reporting
period to September 30, 2026. The information must be submitted in a form and manner determined by DHSMV.
(Section 3)
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
2
CS/HB 243

By October 31, 2026, DHSMV is required to submit a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the
Speaker of the House of Representatives that summarizes the e-bike crash data reports submitted to DHSMV,
including the list maintained by the FHP. The report must separate the e-bike crash data by county, listing the
reporting law enforcement agencies within each county. (Section 3)

Effective Date
The bill is effective upon becoming law, but the provisions creating e-bike regulations are effective on July 1, 2026.
(Section 4)

FISCAL OR ECONOMIC IMPACT:

STATE GOVERNMENT:
The bill may have a negative, but likely insignificant, fiscal impact to state government expenditures due to
following expenditures associated with DHSMV:

• The provision of administrative and staff support services to the task force and reimbursement of members
of the task force for per diem and travel expenses.
• Collection and submission of e-bike crash data through the Florida Highway Patrol.

The costs are expected to be absorbed within existing department resources.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT:
The bill may have a negative, but likely insignificant, fiscal impact on local government expenditures as local law
enforcement agencies will be required to collect e-bike crash data and submit such data to DHSMV.

RELEVANT INFORMATION
SUBJECT OVERVIEW:
Electric Bicycles
Current law provides that an electric bicycle (e-bike) or an operator of an e-bike has all the rights, privileges, and
duties applicable to a bicycle or operator of a bicycle. 1 An e-bike is defined as a bicycle or tricycle equipped with
fully operable pedals, a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that
meets the requirements of one of the following three classifications:
• “Class 1 e-bike” means an e-bike equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is
pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
• “Class 2 e-bike” means an e-bike equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the e-bike
and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
• “Class 3 e-bike” means an e-bike equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is
pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour. 2

Generally, e-bikes are authorized where bicycles are allowed, including streets, highways, roadways, shoulders,
bicycle lanes, and bicycle or multiuse paths. 3 However, local governments have authority to regulate e-bikes,
including:

1 S. 316.20655(1), F.S.
2 S. 316.003(23), F.S.
3 S. 316.20655(7), F.S.

JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
3
CS/HB 243
• Enacting an ordinance to permit, control, or regulate the operation of e-bikes on sidewalks or sidewalk
areas when such use is permissible under federal law. 4 The ordinance must restrict such vehicles or
devices to a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour in such areas. 5
• Adopting an ordinance governing the operation of e-bikes on streets, highways, sidewalks, and
sidewalk areas under the local government’s jurisdiction; to prevent a municipality, county, or agency
of the state having jurisdiction over a bicycle path, multiuse path, or trail network from restricting or
prohibiting the operation of an e-bike on a bicycle path, multiuse path, or trail network; or to prevent a
municipality, county, or agency of the state having jurisdiction over a beach or a dune from restricting
or prohibiting the operation of an e-bike on such beach or dune. 6
• Providing training on the safe operation of e-bikes and compliance with the traffic laws that apply to e-
bikes. 7
• Adopting an ordinance providing one or more minimum age requirements to operate an e-bike. 8
• Adopting an ordinance requiring an operator of an e-bike to possess a government-issued photographic
identification while operating the e-bike. 9

Task Force
Although there are government programs that include components of e-bike safety, there is no designated task
force focused on preventing traffic incidents, injuries, and fatalities involving e-bikes. Current law defines the term
“task force” as an advisory body created without specific statutory enactment for a time not to exceed one year or
created by specific statutory enactment for a time not to exceed three years and appointed to study a specific
problem and recommend a solution or policy alternative with respect to that problem. Its existence terminates
upon the completion of its assignment. 10 Advisory bodies and other collegial bodies created as an adjunct to an
executive agency must be established, evaluated, or maintained in accordance with the following provisions:
• They may be created only when it is found to be necessary and beneficial to the furtherance of a public
purpose.
• They must be terminated by the Legislature when they are no longer necessary and beneficial to further a
public purpose. The executive agency to which the advisory body is made an adjunct must advise the
Legislature at the time the advisory body is no longer essential to further a public purpose.
• The Legislature and the public must be kept informed of the numbers, purposes, memberships, activities,
and expenses of advisory bodies. 11

Long or Short Form Traffic Crash Report or a Driver Exchange-of-information Form
A long form traffic crash report must be completed and submitted to DHSMV within 10 days after an investigation
is completed by the law enforcement officer who in the regular course of duty investigates a motor vehicle crash
that:
• Resulted in death of, personal injury to, or any indication of complaints of pain or discomfort by any of the
parties or passengers involved in the crash.
• Involved a violation of leaving the scene of a crash with an attended vehicle or property.
• Involved in a violation of driving under the influence.
• Rendered a vehicle inoperable to a degree that required a wrecker to remove it from the scene of the crash.
• Involved a commercial motor vehicle. 12

4 S. 316.008(7)(a), F.S.
5 Id.
6 S. 316.20655(1), F.S.
7 S. 316.20655(9), F.S.
8 S. 316.20655(8), F.S.
9 Id.
10 S. 20.03(5), F.S.
11 S. 20.052, F.S.
12 S. 316.066(1)(a), F.S.

JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
4
CS/HB 243
For any other crash reported, law enforcement must complete a short form crash report or provide a driver
exchange-of-information form. 13

Both the long and short form traffic reports requires the collection of the following information:
• The date, time, and location of the crash.
• A description of the vehicles involved.
• The names and addresses of the parties involved, including all drivers and passengers, and the
identification of the vehicle(s).
• The names and addresses of witnesses.
• The name, badge number, and law enforcement agency of the officer investigating the crash.
• The names of the insurance companies for the parties involved in the crash.14

The driver exchange-of-information form 15 requires all drivers and passengers involved in the crash to provide the
identification of each vehicle that the drivers and passengers were in. 16
BILL HISTORY
STAFF
DIRECTOR/ ANALYSIS
COMMITTEE REFERENCE ACTION DATE POLICY CHIEF PREPARED BY
IGovernment Operations 18 Y, 0 N, As CS 1/21/2026 Toliver Walker
Subcommittee
THE CHANGES ADOPTED BY THE • Created an Electric Bicycle (e-bike) Safety Task Force, adjunct to the
COMMITTEE: Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
• Created an e-bike crash data collection and reporting process that
requires law enforcement agencies to collect and submit specified
information related to crashes involving e-bikes to DHSMV.
• Required DHSMV to submit a report to the Governor and the
Legislature that summarizes the submitted e-bike crash data reports.
• Provided a penalty operating an e-bike on a sidewalk or other area
designated for pedestrian use, at a certain speed.
• Removed provisions relating to electric motorcycles and motorized
scooters.
• Removed provisions related to modifying e-bikes; licensure
requirements for e-bikes; and driver education.
• Changed the effective date from July 1, 2027, to upon becoming law,
except the penalty provisions are effective July 1, 2026.
Transportation & Economic Davis Andeara
Development Budget
Subcommittee
State Affairs Committee

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THIS BILL ANALYSIS HAS BEEN UPDATED TO INCORPORATE ALL OF THE CHANGES DESCRIBED ABOVE.
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13 S. 316.066(1)(c), F.S.
14 S. 316.066(1)(b) and (c), F.S.
15 DHSMV, Driver Exchange Form (last visited Jan. 9, 2026).
16 S. 316.066(1)(c), F.S.

JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
5
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

CS/HB 243 2026

1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to electric bicycles; amending s.
3 316.20655, F.S.; providing requirements for the
4 operation of electric bicycles; providing penalties;
5 creating s. 316.20658, F.S.; creating the Electric
6 Bicycle Safety Task Force adjunct to the Department of
7 Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles; requiring the
8 department to provide staff to assist the task force;
9 providing the purpose of the task force; providing for
10 the membership of the task force and the appointment
11 of task force members; providing a timeline in which
12 appointments must be made and the manner in which
13 vacancies on the task force must be filled; requiring
14 that the task force convene within a specified
15 timeframe; providing requirements for the time and
16 location of the task force meetings; providing for
17 members of the task force to be reimbursed for per
18 diem and travel expenses; requiring a report to the
19 Governor and Legislature by a specified date;
20 providing for the expiration of the task force;
21 providing for future repeal; requiring certain law
22 enforcement agencies to maintain certain statistics
23 during a specified timeframe; requiring certain law
24 enforcement agencies to submit a report to the
25 department by a specified date; requiring the

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F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

CS/HB 243 2026

26 department to submit a report to the Governor and
27 Legislature by a specified date; providing effective
28 dates.
29
30 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
31
32 Section 1. Effective July 1, 2026, subsection (10) is
33 added to section 316.20655, Florida Statutes, to read:
34 316.20655 Electric bicycle regulations.—
35 (10)(a) A person operating an electric bicycle on a shared
36 pathway that is not located adjacent to a roadway, including a
37 shared pathway located in a park or recreational area, must
38 yield to any pedestrian and must give an audible signal before
39 overtaking and passing such pedestrian.
40 (b) A person operating an electric bicycle on a sidewalk
41 or any other area designated for pedestrian use may not operate
42 an electric bicycle at a speed greater than 10 miles per hour
43 when a pedestrian is within 50 feet of the electric bicycle.
44 (c) A person who fails to comply with this subsection
45 commits a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a
46 nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
47 Section 2. Section 316.20658, Florida Statutes, is created
48 to read:
49 316.20658 Electric Bicycle Safety Task Force.—
50 (1) CREATION.—The Electric Bicycle Safety Task Force, a

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CS/HB 243 2026

51 task force as defined in s. 20.03(5), is created adjunct to the
52 department. The department shall provide administrative and
53 staff support services related to the functions of the task
54 force.
55 (2) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the task force is to examine
56 and recommend improvements to state law and the regulatory
57 framework governing electric bicycles in order to encourage the
58 safe operation of electric bicycles and to prevent traffic
59 incidents, injuries, and fatalities involving such bicycles.
60 (3) MEMBERSHIP; MEETINGS.—
61 (a) The task force shall be composed of the executive
62 director of the department, or his or her designee; the
63 Secretary of Transportation, or his or her designee; and the
64 following members, who shall be appointed by the executive
65 director:
66 1. A representative from the Florida Sheriffs Association.
67 2. A representative from the Florida Police Chiefs
68 Association.
69 3. A representative from the electric bicycle industry.
70 4. A representative from the Florida League of Cities.
71 5. A representative from the Florida Association of
72 Counties.
73 6. A representative from the medical field with experience
74 in treating bicyclist and pedestrian injuries.
75 7. A representative from an organization involved in

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CS/HB 243 2026

76 efforts to prevent injuries and fatalities involving bicycles,
77 including electric bicycles.
78 (b) Appointments to the task force shall be made within 15
79 days after this act becomes a law.
80 (c) The executive director of the department, or his or
81 her designee, shall chair the task force, and a vacancy on the
82 task force shall be filled in the same manner as the original
83 appointment.
84 (d) The task force shall convene no later than 30 days
85 after this act becomes a law. The task force shall meet at least
86 monthly but may meet more frequently at the call of the chair.
87 At least one meeting of the task force shall occur in each of
88 the following regions of this state: North Florida, Central
89 Florida, and South Florida. All meetings shall be held at the
90 time and place designated by the chair.
91 (e) Members of the task force shall serve without
92 compensation but shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for
93 per diem and travel expenses pursuant to s. 112.061.
94 (4) REPORT.—The task force shall prepare a report that
95 includes legislative recommendations for improvements to state
96 law and the regulatory framework governing electric bicycles.
97 The report should take into account methods to improve traffic
98 safety for electric bicycle operators and riders, pedestrians,
99 and other vehicle operators through reasonable measures designed
100 to reduce traffic incidents, injuries, and fatalities.

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CS/HB 243 2026

101 (a) Before October 1, 2026, the task force shall submit
102 the report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the
103 Speaker of the House of Representatives.
104 (b) Upon submission of the report, the task force shall
105 expire.
106 (5) REPEAL.—This section is repealed October 1, 2026.
107 Section 3. (1) Beginning 30 days after this act becomes a
108 law, the Florida Highway Patrol and each police department and
109 sheriff's office in this state must maintain a list of all the
110 traffic crashes that each respective agency investigates which
111 involve an electric bicycle. Each electric bicycle crash must be
112 included in the list regardless of whether the crash is reported
113 on a long or short form traffic crash report or a driver
114 exchange-of-information form. Each entry in the list must
115 contain the following information concerning each traffic crash
116 involving an electric bicycle:
117 (a) The date and time of the crash.
118 (b) The class of electric bicycle involved in the crash.
119 (c) The age of the electric bicycle operator involved in
120 the crash.
121 (d) If known, whether the electric bicycle operator
122 possessed a valid Florida learner's driver license or driver
123 license at the time of the crash.
124 (2) By October 15, 2026, each police department and
125 sheriff's office in this state must submit a report to the

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126 Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles which contains a
127 list of all electric bicycle crashes investigated by each agency
128 from the beginning of the reporting period through September 30,
129 2026. The information must be submitted in a form and manner
130 determined by the department.
131 (3) By October 31, 2026, the department must submit a
132 report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the
133 Speaker of the House of Representatives summarizing the reports
134 submitted to the department pursuant to subsection (2) and
135 include in the report the list maintained by the Florida Highway
136 Patrol. The report must separate the electric bicycle crash data
137 by county, listing the reporting law enforcement agencies within
138 each county.
139 Section 4. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
140 act, this act shall take effect upon becoming a law.

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CS/HB 679
FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
BILL ANALYSIS
This bill analysis was prepared by nonpartisan committee staff and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
BILL #: CS/HB 679 COMPANION BILL: SB 696 (Martin)
TITLE: Registration of Trademarks LINKED BILLS: None
SPONSOR(S): Greco RELATED BILLS: SB 476 (Martin); SB 696 (Martin)
Committee References
Industries & Professional Transportation & Economic Commerce
Activities  Development Budget 
15 Y, 0 N, As CS

SUMMARY
Effect of the Bill:
The bill:
• Removes the general classes for trademarks of goods and services currently set in statute.
• Mandates that the Florida Department of State adopt the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s
system of classification of goods and services as the state’s classification.
• The adoption must be done annually, and the system that is in place on June 1 of that year must be adopted
by the department by July 1.
• Directs the department to establish a website where an applicant can apply for or apply for renewal of a
trademark.
• Requires the submittal of an electronic trademark specimen with the application.

Fiscal or Economic Impact:
The bill may have an indeterminate negative fiscal impact on state expenditures; however, any costs associated
with establishing a website to accept electronic trademark specimens and applications are expected to be minimal
and absorbed within existing department resources.

JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY

ANALYSIS
EFFECT OF THE BILL:
A person is a trademark owner as soon as he or she begins to use the trademark. However, registering a trademark
provides broader rights and protections to the trademark holder. 1 A person can register their trademark with
either the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a federal trademark registration or the Florida
Department of State for a Florida trademark registration or both. Both federal and state registration requires
classification, and the international classification of goods and services is the controlling classification system. The
classification of goods and services is currently set in Florida statutes 2; however, the Nice Agreement which sets
the international class headings and is utilized by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, is updated
regularly. 3 The bill would require that the Department of State utilize the schedule as set by 37 CFR §6.1. (Section
1)

The bill would also require that the Department of State establish a website for electronic trademark registration,
and that applicants provide an electronic version of the trademark specimen when applying for state trademark

1 What is a trademark? | USPTO, last visited December 23, 2025.
2 S. 495.111(1), F.S.
3Nice Agreement current edition version - general remarks, class headings and explanatory notes | USPTO, last
visited December 23, 2025.
STORAGE NAME: h0679b.TED
DATE: 1/27/2026
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CS/HB 679
registration. Currently, trademark registration is only available through printed application mailed to the
Department of State’s Division of Corporations. 4 The department must make the online application available by
July 1, 2027. (Section 2)

The bill adds a requirement that document verification must be made in accordance with the state law for
verification of documents and that electronic signatures may be accepted. (Section 3)

The bill has an effective date of July 1, 2026. (Section 4)

FISCAL OR ECONOMIC IMPACT:

STATE GOVERNMENT:
The bill creates new responsibilities for the Department of State, resulting in an indeterminate negative fiscal
impact. The annual adoption of the federal classification system and development of an online trademark
registration system are expected to have minimal costs 5, and expected to be absorbed within existing department
resources. An agency analysis of this bill was requested from the Department of State on January 15, 2026, and as
of the date of publication has not been received.

PRIVATE SECTOR:
The fiscal impact on the private sector is indeterminate; however, any costs to Florida businesses are expected to
be minimal. Businesses may need to make minor adjustments to comply with the updated trademark classification
system and the new electronic application process, but these costs are expected to be insignificant. 6

RELEVANT INFORMATION
SUBJECT OVERVIEW:
TRADEMARK:
A trademark is any word, name, symbol, or device, or any combination thereof, used by a person to identify and
distinguish the goods of such person, including a unique product, from those manufactured or sold by others, and
to indicate the source of the goods, even if the source is unknown. 7 Trademarks for goods and services are sorted
into classes. The classifications are broad categories which allow the goods or services to be organized and located
in database searches. 8

REGISTRATION:
While trademark owners who do not register their trademarks still have common law rights to the trademark, the
benefits of trademark registration include public notice of registration, the legal presumption of ownership and
right to use, and the right to bring a lawsuit to enforce trademark protections. 9

NICE AGREEMENT:

4 Trademark and Service Mark - Division of Corporations - Florida Department of State, last visited December 23,
2025.
5 Trademark Modernization Amendments Act of 2026 White Paper – Florida Bar Business Law Section, last visited

January 22, 2026.
6 Id.
7 S. 495.011(13) F.S.
8 Goods and services | USPTO, last visited December 23, 2025.
9 Why register your trademark? | USPTO, last visited January 8, 2026.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
2
CS/HB 679
The Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the
Registration of Marks is a treaty signed in 1957 10 establishing the Nice Classification which is an international
classification of goods and services applied for the registration of marks. A new edition is published every five
years with a new version of each addition published annually. 11 The Committee of Experts of the Nice Union sets
the classification, and the World Intellectual Property Organization publishes the Nice Classification on its
website. 12 The United States has been using this classification system since 1973. It is codified in 37 CFR § 6.1.

BILL HISTORY
STAFF
DIRECTOR/ ANALYSIS
COMMITTEE REFERENCE ACTION DATE POLICY CHIEF PREPARED BY
Industries & Professional Activities 15 Y, 0 N, As CS 1/14/2026 Anstead Miralia
Subcommittee
THE CHANGES ADOPTED BY THE The amendment clarified that the Department of State shall utilize the
COMMITTEE: international schedule of classes of goods and services as set by 37 CFR §6.1, as
amended. The amendment also adds language stating that electronic
signatures can be utilized for applications.
Transportation & Economic Davis Andeara
Development Budget
Subcommittee
Commerce Committee

10 Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the
Registration of Marks, last visited December 23, 2025.
11 Nice Classification, last visited December 23, 2025.
12 Nice Agreement current edition version - general remarks, class headings and explanatory notes | USPTO, last

visited December 23, 2025.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
3
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

CS/HB 679 2026

1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to registration of trademarks;
3 amending s. 495.111, F.S.; removing provisions
4 relating to the classification of goods and services
5 for trademark purposes; requiring the Department of
6 State to use the international schedule of classes of
7 goods and services; creating s. 495.0315, F.S.;
8 requiring the department to establish and maintain a
9 secure Internet website that allows submission of an
10 online trademark registration application and renewal
11 application; providing website requirements; requiring
12 the department to make the online application system
13 available by a specified date; amending s. 495.031,
14 F.S.; providing online application requirements;
15 providing an effective date.
16
17 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
18
19 Section 1. Subsection (1) of section 495.111, Florida
20 Statutes, is amended to read:
21 495.111 Classification.—
22 (1) The department shall use the international schedule of
23 classes of goods and services as set forth in 37 C.F.R. s. 6.1,
24 as amended, as the state classification system for trademarks.
25 The following general classes of goods and services, conforming

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26 to the classification adopted by the United States Patent and
27 Trademark Office, are established for convenience of
28 administration of this chapter:
29 (a) Goods:
30 1. Class 1 Chemicals for use in industry, science and
31 photography, as well as in agriculture, horticulture and
32 forestry; unprocessed artificial resins, unprocessed plastics;
33 fire extinguishing and fire prevention compositions; tempering
34 and soldering preparations; substances for tanning animal skins
35 and hides; adhesives for use in industry; putties and other
36 paste fillers; compost, manures, fertilizers; biological
37 preparations for use in industry and science.
38 2. Class 2 Paints, varnishes, lacquers; preservatives
39 against rust and against deterioration of wood; colorants, dyes;
40 inks for printing, marking and engraving; raw natural resins;
41 metals in foil and powder form for use in painting, decorating,
42 printing and art.
43 3. Class 3 Non-medicated cosmetics and toiletry
44 preparations; non-medicated dentifrices; perfumery, essential
45 oils; bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry
46 use; cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations.
47 4. Class 4 Industrial oils and greases, wax; lubricants;
48 dust absorbing, wetting and binding compositions; fuels and
49 illuminants; candles and wicks for lighting.
50 5. Class 5 Pharmaceuticals, medical and veterinary

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51 preparations; sanitary preparations for medical purposes;
52 dietetic food and substances adapted for medical or veterinary
53 use, food for babies; dietary supplements for humans and
54 animals; plasters, materials for dressings; material for
55 stopping teeth, dental wax; disinfectants; preparations for
56 destroying vermin; fungicides, herbicides.
57 6. Class 6 Common metals and their alloys, ores; metal
58 materials for building and construction; transportable buildings
59 of metal; non-electric cables and wires of common metal; small
60 items of metal hardware; metal containers for storage or
61 transport; safes.
62 7. Class 7 Machines, machine tools, power-operated tools;
63 motors and engines, except for land vehicles; machine coupling
64 and transmission components, except for land vehicles;
65 agricultural implements, other than hand-operated hand tools;
66 incubators for eggs; automatic vending machines.
67 8. Class 8 Hand tools and implements, hand-operated;
68 cutlery; side arms, except firearms; razors.
69 9. Class 9 Scientific, nautical, surveying, photographic,
70 cinematographic, optical, weighing, measuring, signaling,
71 checking (supervision), life-saving and teaching apparatus and
72 instruments; apparatus and instruments for conducting,
73 switching, transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling
74 electricity; apparatus for recording, transmission or
75 reproduction of sound or images; magnetic data carriers,

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76 recording discs; compact discs, DVDs and other digital recording
77 media; mechanisms for coin-operated apparatus; cash registers,
78 calculating machines, data processing equipment, computers;
79 computer software; fire-extinguishing apparatus.
80 10. Class 10 Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary
81 apparatus and instruments; artificial limbs, eyes and teeth;
82 orthopaedic articles; suture materials; therapeutic and
83 assistive devices adapted for the disabled; massage apparatus;
84 apparatus, devices and articles for nursing infants; sexual
85 activity apparatus, devices and articles.
86 11. Class 11 Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam
87 generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, water
88 supply and sanitary purposes.
89 12. Class 12 Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land,
90 air or water.
91 13. Class 13 Firearms; ammunition and projectiles;
92 explosives; fireworks.
93 14. Class 14 Precious metals and their alloys; jewellery,
94 precious and semi-precious stones; horological and chronometric
95 instruments.
96 15. Class 15 Musical instruments.
97 16. Class 16 Paper and cardboard; printed matter;
98 bookbinding material; photographs; stationery and office
99 requisites, except furniture; adhesives for stationery or
100 household purposes; drawing materials and materials for artists;

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101 paintbrushes; instructional and teaching materials; plastic
102 sheets, films and bags for wrapping and packaging; printers'
103 type, printing blocks.
104 17. Class 17 Unprocessed and semi-processed rubber,
105 gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica and substitutes for all these
106 materials; plastics and resins in extruded form for use in
107 manufacture; packing, stopping and insulating materials;
108 flexible pipes, tubes and hoses, not of metal.
109 18. Class 18 Leather and imitations of leather; animal
110 skins and hides; luggage and carrying bags; umbrellas and
111 parasols; walking sticks; whips, harness and saddlery; collars,
112 leashes and clothing for animals.
113 19. Class 19 Building materials (non-metallic); non-
114 metallic rigid pipes for building; asphalt, pitch and bitumen;
115 non-metallic transportable buildings; monuments, not of metal.
116 20. Class 20 Furniture, mirrors, picture frames;
117 containers, not of metal, for storage or transport; unworked or
118 semi-worked bone, horn, whalebone or mother-of-pearl; shells;
119 meerschaum; yellow amber.
120 21. Class 21 Household or kitchen utensils and
121 containers; cookware and tableware, except forks, knives and
122 spoons; combs and sponges; brushes, except paintbrushes; brush-
123 making materials; articles for cleaning purposes; unworked or
124 semi-worked glass, except building glass; glassware, porcelain
125 and earthenware.

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126 22. Class 22 Ropes and string; nets; tents and
127 tarpaulins; awnings of textile or synthetic materials; sails;
128 sacks for the transport and storage of materials in bulk;
129 padding, cushioning and stuffing materials, except of paper,
130 cardboard, rubber or plastics; raw fibrous textile materials and
131 substitutes therefor.
132 23. Class 23 Yarns and threads, for textile use.
133 24. Class 24 Textiles and substitutes for textiles;
134 household linen; curtains of textile or plastic.
135 25. Class 25 Clothing, footwear, headgear.
136 26. Class 26 Lace and embroidery, ribbons and braid;
137 buttons, hooks and eyes, pins and needles; artificial flowers;
138 hair decorations; false hair.
139 27. Class 27 Carpets, rugs, mats and matting, linoleum
140 and other materials for covering existing floors; wall hangings
141 (non-textile).
142 28. Class 28 Games, toys and playthings; video game
143 apparatus; gymnastic and sporting articles; decorations for
144 Christmas trees.
145 29. Class 29 Meat, fish, poultry and game; meat extracts;
146 preserved, frozen, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables;
147 jellies, jams, compotes; eggs; milk and milk products; oils and
148 fats for food.
149 30. Class 30 Coffee, tea, cocoa and artificial coffee;
150 rice; tapioca and sago; flour and preparations made from

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151 cereals; bread, pastries and confectionery; edible ices; sugar,
152 honey, treacle; yeast, baking-powder; salt; mustard; vinegar,
153 sauces (condiments); spices; ice (frozen water).
154 31. Class 31 Raw and unprocessed agricultural,
155 aquacultural, horticultural and forestry products; raw and
156 unprocessed grains and seeds; fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh
157 herbs; natural plants and flowers; bulbs, seedlings and seeds
158 for planting; live animals; foodstuffs and beverages for
159 animals; malt.
160 32. Class 32 Beers; mineral and aerated waters and other
161 non-alcoholic beverages; fruit beverages and fruit juices;
162 syrups and other preparations for making beverages.
163 33. Class 33 Alcoholic beverages (except beers).
164 34. Class 34 Tobacco; smokers' articles; matches.
165 (b) Services:
166 1. Class 35 Advertising; business management; business
167 administration; office functions.
168 2. Class 36 Insurance; financial affairs; monetary
169 affairs; real estate affairs.
170 3. Class 37 Building construction; repair; installation
171 services.
172 4. Class 38 Telecommunications.
173 5. Class 39 Transport; packaging and storage of goods;
174 travel arrangement.
175 6. Class 40 Treatment of materials.

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176 7. Class 41 Education; providing of training;
177 entertainment; sporting and cultural activities.
178 8. Class 42 Scientific and technological services and
179 research and design relating thereto; industrial analysis and
180 research services; design and development of computer hardware
181 and software.
182 9. Class 43 Services for providing food and drink;
183 temporary accommodation.
184 10. Class 44 Medical services; veterinary services;
185 hygienic and beauty care for human beings or animals;
186 agriculture, horticulture and forestry services.
187 11. Class 45 Legal services; security services for the
188 physical protection of tangible property and individuals;
189 personal and social services rendered by others to meet the
190 needs of individuals.
191 (c) Certification and collective membership marks:
192 1. Class 200 Collective membership marks.
193 2. Class A Certification marks for goods.
194 3. Class B Certification marks for services.
195 (d) The goods and services recited in collective trademark
196 and collective service mark applications are assigned to the
197 same classes that are appropriate for those goods and services
198 in general.
199 Section 2. Section 495.0315, Florida Statutes, is created
200 to read:

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201 495.0315 Online application for registration.—
202 (1) The department shall establish and maintain a secure
203 Internet website that allows an applicant to submit an online
204 trademark registration application in accordance with ss.
205 495.031 and 495.035 and a renewal application in accordance with
206 s. 495.071. The website must safeguard the applicant's
207 information to ensure data integrity and allow the applicant to:
208 (a) Provide an electronic version of a required specimen
209 of use.
210 (b) Provide an electronic version of a drawing of the
211 mark.
212 (c) Pay the fee required by s. 495.191.
213 (d) Complete the verification required by s. 495.031(5).
214 (2) The department shall make the online application
215 system required by this section available no later than July 1,
216 2027.
217 Section 3. Subsections (5) and (6) of section 495.031,
218 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
219 495.031 Application for registration.—
220 (5) Every application under this section shall be signed
221 and verified by the applicant or by a member of the firm or an
222 officer or other authorized representative of the business
223 entity applying. Verification must be made in accordance with s.
224 92.525 and may be accomplished electronically in compliance with
225 ss. 668.001-668.006.

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226 (6) Every paper application under this section shall be
227 accompanied by three specimens or facsimiles showing the mark as
228 actually used. Every online application under this section must
229 be accompanied by an electronic copy of a specimen, complying
230 with the requirements of the department, showing the mark as
231 actually used.
232 Section 4. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.

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