The proposed bill, titled the Medical Freedom Act, amends several sections of Florida Statutes to enhance parental rights regarding vaccinations for minors and to provide legal protections for healthcare practitioners and pharmacists concerning the administration of ivermectin. Specifically, it requires healthcare practitioners and paramedics to inform parents or guardians about the risks and benefits of vaccines before administering them to minors, and to obtain their acknowledgment of this information. Additionally, the bill allows for the administration of vaccines over multiple encounters at the request of the parent or guardian. The amendments to section 456.0575 regarding vaccinations will take effect 30 days after the Board of Medicine and the Board of Osteopathic Medicine adopt the necessary informational materials.

Furthermore, the bill creates new provisions that grant immunity from civil and criminal liability to healthcare practitioners and pharmacists who prescribe or administer ivermectin to adults under certain conditions. Pharmacists are also authorized to provide ivermectin without a prescription as a behind-the-counter medication until it is approved for over-the-counter sale by the FDA. The bill revises school-entry immunization requirements, making it easier for parents to obtain exemptions based on religious or conscience-based beliefs, and mandates that the Department of Health make exemption forms publicly available. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1756 Filed: 381.00315, 456.0575
S 1756 c1: 381.00315, 456.0575