The 2025 Florida Legislative Session saw 1,982 bills filed, with only 254 passing both chambers. The state budget, which is constitutionally required, was not approved. As a result, the Legislature passed HCR 1631 to extend the session until June 6, 2025.
A Department of Health package (HB 1299/SB 1270) passed after lawmakers removed a controversial provision that would have prohibited physicians and hospitals from discriminating against patients based on vaccination status. The Florida Medical Association (FMA) played a role in narrowing this provision before its removal. Other changes in the bill include extending the repeal date for the definition of “messenger ribonucleic acid vaccine” to 2027, expanding institutions authorized to grant medical faculty certificates, updating rules for temporary certificates in critical-need areas, and revising background check requirements for medical marijuana treatment centers’ leadership.
A significant amendment affects licensure by endorsement under last year’s Interstate Mobility Act. Now, physicians can qualify after two years of active practice instead of three and may be eligible even with certain National Practitioner Data Bank reports if their conduct would not violate Florida law. Newly licensed residents from other states will also be able to seek licensure by endorsement.
Legislation known as the “Emily Adkins Protection Act” (HB 1421/SB 890) requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to implement policies and staff training on venous thromboembolism screening and treatment using evidence-based practices. A statewide registry will track data to improve outcomes. Assisted living facilities must provide residents with information about venous thromboembolisms. This measure was supported by the FMA and inspired by workgroup efforts that included longtime FMA member Chris Pittman, MD.
Another bill (SB 1768/HB 1617) regulates stem cell therapies not yet approved by the FDA for specific uses such as orthopedics and pain management. The legislation sets standards for facilities handling stem cells and requires patient consent forms indicating FDA non-approval status. Treatments involving fetal or embryo-derived cells from abortions are excluded; violations may result in felony charges or disciplinary action.
Refunds of patient overpayments are addressed in SB 1808/HB 1513: health care providers must return overpayments within thirty days once they determine an overpayment has occurred. The FMA worked to clarify when repayment obligations begin.
For more than three decades, the FMA has opposed expanding noneconomic damages in wrongful death cases related to medical negligence. This year’s HB 6017 passed both chambers; it would allow recovery of noneconomic damages by adult children or parents of deceased adults in such cases if signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis—a measure he reportedly does not support.
Scope-of-practice expansion was debated throughout the session but no related bills were enacted; FMA expects similar proposals next year.
Proposed office surgery regulations were revised after early collaboration between sponsors and the FMA but ultimately did not advance out of committee.
Efforts to remove exemptions for electronic prescribing failed as House and Senate versions could not be reconciled before adjournment.
A bill requiring physicians to notify patients about referrals to out-of-network providers did not pass after amendments limited its scope; differences between chambers remained unresolved at session’s end.
Legislation modifying parental consent requirements for minors’ health care died on the Senate floor despite changes negotiated by physician groups.
Attempts at regulating professional titles among healthcare practitioners—known as “ology bills”—were again unsuccessful this year following prior vetoes; future legislative sessions may revisit these issues.
The extended session will focus on passing a state budget. Notable items include SB 110 (“Rural Renaissance Package”), which proposes $25 million in grants ($250,000 per primary healthcare provider setting up practice in rural communities), and funding levels for the Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) program designed to attract medical professionals to underserved areas through loan repayment assistance. The House version cuts FRAME funding from $46 million to $16 million while the Senate maintains full funding; advocacy continues for restoring full support.
