New Immunization Rules Announced For Florida; Still No Details

By Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix

September 10, 2025

The Florida Department of Health announced Wednesday that it is updating its immunization requirements and forms for childcare and school admission, plus opt-out provisions.

The notice appeared in the Florida Administrative Register (FAR) along with the information that “if requested in writing and not deemed unnecessary by the agency head,” a rule development workshop will be scheduled and announced in a subsequent FAR. The state publishes the document daily.

The DOH did not provide draft language.

The DeSantis administration made national news last week when Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced he wanted to eliminate all vaccination mandates from Florida law.

Ladapo argued that mandates drip “with disdain and slavery.”

Florida law contains a number of immunization requirements for the young and the old.

The state already allows exemptions for valid medical reasons but also for religious and certain belief systems and, in some cases, for philosophical beliefs.

Immunization for poliomyelitis, diphtheria, rubeola, rubella, pertussis, mumps, and tetanus are required for entry and attendance in Florida schools, childcare facilities, and home daycare. Florida law also requires school districts to develop and disseminate parent guides that include information about the importance of student health and available immunizations and vaccinations, including, but not limited to, recommended immunization schedules in accordance with federal recommendations.

College students who reside in on-campus housing must provide documentation of vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B. Again, the law contains exemptions and students who refuse the vaccines are required to sign waivers.

Nursing homes are required to assess residents within five business days post admission of eligibility for pneumococcal vaccinations or revaccinations. If indicated, the resident must be be vaccinated or revaccinated within 60 days after admission, in accordance with the recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, subject to exemptions for medical contraindications and religious or personal beliefs.

Wednesday’s announcement appears to target rules for public and nonpublic schools for preschool, kindergarten through grade 12, and adult education classes.

Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott has distanced himself from the proposal but other top Republicans came out in support of the idea. Republican legislative leaders in the House and Senate have been quiet on their positions.

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