Florida successfully filed a gold-standard bill in the 2023 legislative session. The bill would have prohibited discrimination based on vaccination or immunity status. UNFORTUNATELY, it did not pass. but over 10,000 advocates took action in support of the bill, 250 advocates showed up at the Capital on opening day to speak with legislators, and over 55 media mentions were made, including some in the mainstream media.
Florida
CALLS TO ACTION
SCHOOL VACCINE MANDATES AND YOUR OPTIONS
What exemptions does your state offer?
Medical and Religious
What is the process to get a religious exemption in your state?
The state of Florida currently offers two forms of immunization exemptions for children: Medical and Religious. These exemptions are provided for children under 18 years of age by The Florida Department of Health. College students and adults are not provided exemptions from Florida Department of Health, except for COVID-19, which you can find those forms here.
To file a Medical Exemption, you must go to the child’s physician and get form DH 680 filled out, it must state in writing, the reasons for exemption based on valid clinical reasoning or evidence. Once complete make a copy of the exemption (for your own records) and then submit the form to the facility/school at the time of enrollment.
To file a Religious Exemption From Immunization DH681, you must contact your local county health department and schedule a time to obtain a religious exemption. Please note, a meeting with a nurse is not necessary to obtain the exemption but most counties are forcing parents to do so. You can say no and tell them you know your rights according to statue: §743.067, or you can take the meeting and sign nothing and still obtain the form. Once complete make a copy of the exemption (for your own records) and then submit the form to the facility/school at the time of enrollment.
The laws above also apply to daycare centers.
Who can add vaccines to the state's childhood schedule, the department of health or the legislature?
Department of Health
What health care can minors consent to on their own?
A minor is a person under the age of 18. As a rule, Florida law requires a minor who seeks medical treatment to obtain the consent of a parent or guardian. However, under certain circumstances and Florida Statutes, parental consent is not required for Emergency care (FS 743.064), Family Planning and Contraceptive care (FS 381.0051), Pregnancy related care (FS 743.065) Sexually Transmitted Disease care (FS 384.30), HIV/AIDS care (FS 384.23(3) & FAC R. 64D-2.004), Drug/Alcohol care (FS 397.601), Outpatient Mental Health Services (FS 394.4784).