Florida’s 2026 legislative session introduced new health care laws that will take effect July 1, altering how providers, facilities, and insurers operate statewide.
Many of the measures update licensing requirements, adjust professional scopes of practice, or modify reimbursement policies. Health care organizations must review compliance obligations before the summer deadline, though some bills include later effective dates.
Memory care gets its own license
Assisted living facilities serving residents with dementia or advertising memory care services must now obtain a specialty license under SB 1404. The Agency for Health Care Administration has until June 1, 2027, to establish minimum standards for admissions, staffing ratios, training, and facility design.
Current facilities will have six months after the rules are finalized to secure the license. The law also strengthens advertising rules—facilities cannot claim to provide memory care without the proper credential.
Naturopathic medicine licensure restored
SB 688 restores licensure for naturopathic doctors. Licensed practitioners may diagnose and treat conditions using natural therapies such as botanical extracts and clinical nutrition.
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Prescription drugs, surgery, anesthesia, and obstetric care remain outside their scope.
Podiatrists gain flexibility on unapproved treatments
Podiatric physicians who do not prescribe controlled substances are exempt from related continuing education requirements under SB 1092. The law also permits the use of certain cellular or tissue-based products without FDA approval, provided practitioners disclose the lack of federal clearance to patients and in advertisements.
The Board of Podiatric Medicine will adopt rules to implement the changes, which take effect July 1.
Chiropractors can collect unlimited advance payments
SB 192 eliminates the $1,500 cap on advance payments chiropractic physicians may accept for examinations or treatment. The previous limit risked disciplinary action for providers who took larger upfront sums. Oversight will now focus on other billing practices.
Pharmacy benefit managers face new restrictions
HB 697 addresses concerns about pharmacy benefit managers by prohibiting practices that force pharmacies to dispense drugs at a loss. The law also bars PBMs from reimbursing affiliated pharmacies at higher rates than independent ones for the same drugs or services. A simplified appeals process lets pharmacies challenge multiple claims for the same drug and supply in a single filing.
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These changes aim to create fairer conditions for employee benefit plans and independent providers.
Parkinson’s registry established
The Florida Institute for Parkinson’s Disease at the University of South Florida must create a statewide registry to track Parkinson’s disease and related conditions under HB 1443. Physicians and advanced practice registered nurses who diagnose or treat these conditions must report required data.
Birth injury program revisions
SB 1168 revises the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association, confirming that the Divi
Most laws take effect July 1, but providers should note the 2027 rulemaking timeline for memory care. Regulators have until next summer to finalize details, leaving little time for adjustments.
