The bill amends Section 542.336 of the Florida Statutes to declare that restrictive covenants preventing physicians from practicing medicine within a specified area for a certain period after the termination of their professional relationships are void and unenforceable. The new language specifies that such covenants are not supported by a legitimate business interest and highlights the negative impact these restrictions have on patient access to care and healthcare costs.

Additionally, the bill removes previous provisions that allowed for the enforcement of these covenants under certain conditions, including a three-year limitation after a second entity begins offering specialty services in a county. The effective date for this legislation is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 485 Filed: 542.336