CRT Legislative Update, September 12, 2025

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CRT Legislative Update

September 12, 2025

Paul D. Seltzer, DO, Legislative Chair

Stephen R. Winn, ED

Michelle W. Larson, Assoc. ED

Jason D. Winn, Esq.

Vaccines

Last week, Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced the Department of Health (DOH) will end all state vaccine mandates in Florida within the Department’s authority through the administrative rules process. The remaining requirements require legislative action to repeal or revise statutes mandating specific vaccinations. According to Dr. Ladapo, this will be a major legislative priority for DOH.

Governor DeSantis appears supportive of the policy to allow patients to make their own health care choices, stating he’s anti-mandate, not anti-vaccine. The Governor also commented that he believed vaccinations would become “more popular” if people were not forced to be vaccinated.

The FOMA and our advocacy partners are working to educate policymakers on the importance of immunizations and their positive impact on public health. The FOMA supports routine childhood vaccines as an evidence-based, historically proven public health measure that has demonstrated safety and effectiveness in preventing death and disease.

FOMA Leaders Meet with Congressman Gus Bilirakis.

L-R: Greg James, DO, Michael Markou, DO, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, & Jeffrey Grove, DO

Jason D. Winn, Esq., &

Sen. Erin Grall

Florida Make America Healthy Again Commission

Governor Ron DeSantis established the Florida Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission to promote nutritious food, improve health care transparency, and address chronic disease. Co-chaired by First Lady Casey DeSantis and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, the commission includes Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, agency heads, individuals focused on health research, and physicians.

Interim Meetings

The Florida Legislature will return on October 6, 2025, for interim meetings in preparation for the 2026 Legislative Session. A total of six weeks of meetings are scheduled, concluding the week of December 8-12, 2025. Legislative Session will begin on January 13, 2026.

House Committee Assignments

This week, House Speaker Daniel Perez released committee assignments for the 2026 Legislative Session. Click Here for more information.

Elections

The FOMA extends its congratulations to LaVon Bracy Davis (Senate District 15) and RaShon Young (House District 40) for their victories in the special general elections held on September 2, 2025. Two additional special elections are scheduled for House District 90 and Senate District 11, with primaries occurring on September 30 and general elections set for December 9.

In the News

DeSantis says he's anti-mandate, not anti-vax as GOP pushes back on plan for Florida kids

Gov. Ron DeSantis says all shots will still be available in Florida for families who decide their children should receive them. He also expects vaccinations rates will remain high without them being coerced to get them.

Hepatitis B is rising in Florida. The vaccine against it will soon be optional for infants

The rule changes could take effect by early December, according to the state Department of Health.