The 2025 Florida Legislative Session saw the introduction of 1,982 bills, with only 254 passing both chambers. The state budget, which is constitutionally required, was not passed during the regular session. Lawmakers extended the session until June 6, 2025, to address unresolved issues.
One significant legislative development involved the Department of Health package (HB 1299/SB 1270). Typically a vehicle for various unrelated issues, this year’s bill advanced after sponsors 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 and ultimately removing this provision. Remaining measures 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 modifying background check requirements for medical marijuana treatment centers’ leadership.
A notable change aims to increase access to care by amending last year’s Interstate Mobility Act. The new provisions reduce the active practice requirement for licensure by endorsement from three years to two and allow licensure for applicants with certain National Practitioner Data Bank reports if their conduct would not violate Florida law. Late-session language also opens licensure opportunities for newly licensed residents from other states previously excluded.
The Legislature passed the “Emily Adkins Protection Act” (HB 1421/SB 890), requiring hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to develop policies and train staff on screening and treating venous thromboembolisms using evidence-based practices. A statewide registry will collect data to improve outcomes. Assisted living facilities must provide information pamphlets about these conditions. This legislation was supported by the FMA and inspired by a state-established workgroup that included longtime FMA member Chris Pittman, MD.
Lawmakers also addressed stem cell therapy regulation (SB 1768/HB 1617). The FMA contributed extensively to crafting this legislation, which allows physicians to perform certain FDA-unapproved stem cell therapies in orthopedics, wound care, and pain management under strict guidelines. Facilities handling stem cells must be FDA-registered and accredited; patients must give signed consent acknowledging lack of FDA approval; advertising must disclose this status; treatments using fetal or embryo-derived cells from abortions are excluded; violations carry felony penalties.
Another measure requires healthcare providers who bill insurers to refund patient overpayments within 30 days of determining an overpayment occurred (SB 1808/HB 1513). The FMA clarified that repayment obligations begin when providers identify an overpayment.
After decades of opposition from physician groups including the FMA, lawmakers passed HB 6017/SB 734 expanding eligibility for noneconomic damages in wrongful death cases involving medical negligence. If signed by Governor Ron DeSantis—who reportedly opposes it—the law would allow adult children and parents of deceased adults aged 25 or older to seek such damages. The FMA is working with partners urging a veto.
Scope-of-practice expansion was prominent again this session as allied health provider groups sought broader authority. None of these bills passed after opposition efforts led by the FMA.
Bills proposing new office surgery standards were revised following input from stakeholders including the FMA but did not advance beyond committee hearings.
Electronic prescribing requirements were debated again this year (HB 1297/SB 1568). Existing exemptions allowing paper prescriptions remained after negotiations failed between chambers on final language.
Legislation requiring physicians to notify patients when referring them out-of-network was considered but ultimately withdrawn after concerns raised by physician organizations about feasibility and appropriateness.
Proposed changes affecting parental consent laws—removing exceptions that allow minors treatment without parental approval—were amended through advocacy efforts but did not pass.
Efforts continued around regulating professional titles used by non-physician practitioners (“ology bill”), but no new restrictions became law after related provisions were removed late in session proceedings.
As lawmakers reconvene for budget deliberations during the extended session, attention will focus on SB 110 (the Rural Renaissance Package), which proposes $25 million in grants supporting rural primary care providers ($250,000 per practice), as well as funding levels for programs like FRAME designed to encourage healthcare professionals’ service in underserved areas through loan repayment assistance. The House proposed reducing FRAME funding from $46 million to $16 million while the Senate maintained full funding; advocates including the FMA are seeking restoration of full support.
