TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On Monday afternoon, the Florida Senate approved a new “medical freedom” bill championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
That bill — SB 1756 — was originally filed back in January and seeks to make the following changes to state law:
- School Rules: Exempts children from immunization requirements in K-12 schools if the vaccine conflicts with their parents’ conscience (similar to the existing religious exemption)
- Vaccines on Kids: Before a vaccine can be administered to a child, the health care practitioner must provide the child’s parent with the appropriate CDC information statement
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- Ivermectin Prescriptions: Allows pharmacists to provide ivermectin as a behind-the-counter medication with a prescription to adults, along with instructions on proper use
- Criminal Immunity: Grants immunity from civil/criminal liability or disciplinary action under state law to health care practitioners who properly prescribe or administer ivermectin to an adult patient
On X, DeSantis responded to a post about the legislation’s companion bill in the House, writing, “Great opportunity to expand and protect medical freedom!”
Thank you, Marla! https://t.co/ONd7zsuoq2
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) March 5, 2026
While the House bill has not made much progress, SB 1756 cleareds the full Senate by a vote of 23-15 on Monday.
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That said, the bill will still need to get approval from House lawmakers and the governor’s signature before it can go into law.
If it gets to that point, though, the bill is slated to take effect in full on July 1.