Floridians will welcome five new laws in 2011. Here's the information you'll need to know about laws governing the Sunshine State.

The Child Abduction Prevention Act, HB 787 – This law gives judges the right to restrict child visitations by a parent, if there is a risk of the child being taken across state lines or international boundaries. The new limits include securing the youngster's passport. The law, sponsored by Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg), went into effect Jan. 1. Rouson said his sponsorship of the act was prompted by a Pinellas Point resident who raised concerns through his office. The woman was married to a foreign national who threatened to leave the U.S. with their young son when the couple was divorcing. "This act helps to ease the concerns and fears of parents going through a divorce," said Rouson, who was just re-elected to a second term. "It provides for more security for the child."

Alimony and child support, HB 907 –Places new parameters on how alimony and child support is awarded in divorce cases. The law stipulates that alimony can be based on length of marriage, with 7 to 17 years being a moderate term marriage. Less than 7 years is considered short term. Alimony can also be awarded to a party as a "bridge the gap" measure, for a limited amount of time. Child support can now be extended pass the 18 year old cut off, if the child has a disability or is still in high school. The law, sponsored by Anitere Flores (R-Miami), applies to cases filed July 1, 2010 or later.

Appraisal management companies, HB 303 - Requires the regulation and registration of appraisal management companies and calls for fingerprinting and criminal background checks of individuals who control them. The law, sponsored by Matt Hudson (R-Naples), goes into effect July 1, 2011.

Impact on Library Services Trust Fund and The Fine Arts Trust Fund, SB 1644 – Eliminates the State Department's Library Services Trust Fund and The Fine Arts Trust Fund. Money remaining in the funds will be transferred to the Division of Cultural Affairs' Grants and Donations Trust Fund. The law, sponsored by Sen. Mike Fasano (R-New Port Richey), goes into effect July 1, 2011.

Sovereign immunity increase, SB 2060 - Increases the amount of damages the state and its agencies may pay to $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident in sovereign immunity cases. "The idea is to cut down on frivolous lawsuits and extraordinary judgments," said Sen. Mike Bennett (R-Bradenton), the bill's sponsor. The law goes into effect Oct. 1, 2011.

Read all of the laws that were passed in the state in 2010 here.

According to Commissioner Pat Mulieri, Pasco County has not tied any of its own ordinances to the state-level legislation already on the books for 2011.