The bill amends Florida Statutes to allow for the recovery of damages for medical negligence resulting in death by removing a provision that previously precluded certain individuals from seeking such damages. Specifically, it deletes the language in section 768.21 that barred adult children from recovering damages for lost parental companionship and parents of adult children from recovering for mental pain and suffering in cases of medical negligence. This change enables a broader range of beneficiaries, including adult children and parents of deceased adult children, to seek compensation for their losses.

Additionally, the bill makes conforming amendments to sections 400.023, 400.0235, and 429.295 to clarify that actions for violations of rights or negligence under these sections are not classified as medical malpractice, thus ensuring that the newly amended provisions regarding damages apply consistently across related statutes. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 6017 Filed: 768.21, 400.023, 400.0235, 429.295
H 6017 er: 768.21, 400.023, 400.0235, 429.295