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SB0418

Law Enforcement Interactions with Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 10:35 AM

In one sentence

This law creates a blue envelope and card program to help people with autism communicate with police and requires Florida officers to complete specific training on interacting safely with them.

Creates a state program providing a blue envelope and a blue card for individuals with autism spectrum disorder to share information during police interactions.
Requires the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to develop these items by January 1, 2027.
Mandates training courses for law enforcement officers on recognizing symptoms of autism and using safe communication techniques.
Includes instruction on how to interview individuals with autism while protecting their legal rights and minimizing stress.
Requires the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission to add this training to basic officer certification by July 1, 2028.

Individuals in Florida who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Law enforcement officers seeking initial certification or continuing their employment.
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Tax collector's offices that will distribute the blue envelopes and cards.

The law does not specify the exact cost, if any, for individuals requesting the blue envelope or card.
It is unclear how many tax collector's offices will be authorized to distribute these items immediately after January 1, 2027.

Plain language

Blue envelope: A special folder provided to individuals with autism to hold their driver license, vehicle registration, insurance proof, and emergency contact info for police interactions.
Agency: The ability of a person to make independent decisions and act in their own best interests.

Official record

Source attached

Law Enforcement Officer Interactions with Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Official activity