Introduced by Senator Smith

Florida Senate — 2026 Regular Session
SB 626 | Filed 17-00447-26 | Bill ID 2026626__

Bill Summary

This bill amends s. 1003.22, Florida Statutes, revising the list of required school-entry immunizations. It maintains mandates for poliomyelitis, diphtheria, rubeola (measles), rubella, pertussis, mumps, tetanus, hepatitis B, chickenpox (varicella), Haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumococcal disease, and other communicable diseases as determined by Department of Health rules. The Department retains full authority over exemptions, standards, and enforcement. Immunizations remain free at county health departments. Effective July 1, 2026.

Full Bill Text

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 626
By Senator Smith
17-00447-26 2026626__
A bill to be entitled
An act relating to school attendance immunizations;
amending s. 1003.22, F.S.; revising the communicable
diseases for which immunization is required for school
attendance; providing an effective date.
Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. Subsection (3) of section 1003.22, Florida
Statutes, is amended to read:
1003.22 School-entry health examinations; immunization
against communicable diseases; exemptions; duties of Department
of Health.—
  (3) The Department of Health may adopt rules necessary to
administer and enforce this section. The Department of Health,
after consultation with the Department of Education, shall adopt
rules governing the immunization of children against, the
testing for, and the control of preventable communicable
diseases. The rules must include procedures for exempting a
child from immunization requirements. Immunizations shall be
required for poliomyelitis, diphtheria, rubeola, rubella,
pertussis, mumps, tetanus, hepatitis B, chickenpox, haemophilus
influenzae type b, pneumococcal disease, and other communicable
diseases as determined by rules of the Department of Health. The
manner and frequency of administration of the immunization or
testing shall conform to recognized standards of medical
practice. The Department of Health shall supervise and secure
the enforcement of the required immunization. Immunizations
required by this section shall be available at no cost from the
county health departments.
Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.
          

Source: Florida Senate (2026 Session) | Coding: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.