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 approved HCR 1631 to extend the session until June 6, 2025.
One key piece of legislation was HB 1299/SB 1270 related to the Department of Health. Typically a bill that accumulates unrelated issues and often fails, this year’s version advanced after sponsors removed a controversial provision about vaccination status discrimination. The Florida Medical Association (FMA) played a role in narrowing and ultimately removing this provision. Other elements of the bill include extending the repeal date for the definition of “messenger ribonucleic acid vaccine” from 2025 to 2027; expanding institutions authorized to grant medical faculty certificates; updating temporary certificate laws for physicians and physician assistants in critical-need areas; and changing background check requirements for medical marijuana treatment centers’ leadership.
A significant change amends last year’s Interstate Mobility Act by reducing active practice requirements for licensure by endorsement from three years to two. It also allows licensure for applicants with certain National Practitioner Data Bank reports if their conduct would not have violated Florida law. Language was added late in session so newly licensed residents in other states currently excluded from Florida licensure may now qualify.
Legislation aimed at improving screening and treatment for blood clots—HB 1421/SB 890, known as the “Emily Adkins Protection Act”—requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to implement policies and staff training on venous thromboembolisms using evidence-based practices. A statewide registry will track data from hospitals to improve outcomes. Assisted living facilities must provide information pamphlets on venous thromboembolisms to residents. The FMA supported this legislation, which was inspired by a state workgroup that included longtime FMA member Chris Pittman, MD.
SB 1768/HB 1617 addressed stem cell therapy regulation in Florida. With input from the FMA, lawmakers authorized physicians to perform certain non-FDA-approved stem cell therapies under specific conditions: cells must be handled at FDA-regulated facilities; patients must sign consent forms acknowledging FDA non-approval; advertising must reflect regulatory status; treatments using fetal or embryo-derived cells from abortions are excluded; violations carry felony penalties and disciplinary actions.
Another measure—SB 1808/HB 1513—requires healthcare providers who discover patient overpayments after billing insurers to refund those payments within thirty days of determination. The FMA clarified that this repayment obligation begins only when an overpayment is identified by the provider.
After decades of opposition led by physician groups including the FMA, HB 6017 passed both chambers despite resistance from several sectors. If signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, it would allow noneconomic wrongful death damages in medical negligence cases for adult children and parents previously barred under current statutes. The governor has reportedly expressed reservations about signing it into law.
Scope-of-practice expansion remained a major topic throughout session but no such bills were enacted due largely to efforts by organizations like the FMA.
Proposed changes affecting office surgery standards (HB 309/SB 424), electronic prescribing exemptions (HB 1297/SB1568), health care provider referrals (HB1101/SB1842), parental rights (HB1505/SB1288), and health care practitioner identification (“ology bill,” HB1341/SB172/HB1427) either failed or stalled during negotiations between chambers or died before final passage.
Attention now turns exclusively to passing a state budget during the extended session period. Two programs highlighted are SB110—the Rural Renaissance Package—which includes $25 million in grants ($250,000 per primary healthcare provider establishing rural practices), and FRAME (Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education). While House proposals cut FRAME funding from $46 million to $16 million, Senate versions maintain full funding at $46 million. The program provides annual payments designed to encourage qualified professionals—including those in medicine—to serve underserved communities by offsetting educational loans and expenses.