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On May 15, 2025, Governor DeSantis commented that he would veto HB 6017 relating to wrongful death claims. According to the Governor, the legislation would increase the number of lawsuits, raise malpractice premiums, and limit Florida’s ability to recruit physicians. To date, the legislature has not transmitted the bill to the Governor. The bill expands the scope of damages available under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, removing the prohibition on recovery of noneconomic wrongful death damages in medical negligence cases by the decedent’s children who are 25 years of age or older and parents of a deceased child who was 25 years of age or older at the time of death.
In other news, Governor Ron DeSantis has signed nine healthcare bills into law. The newly enacted laws cover a broad range of topics, including insurance coverage enhancements, provisions for medical emergencies, advanced practice nursing, and public health screening initiatives.
Legislative leaders continue working out their issues surrounding the FY 2025-26 budget. Our legislative team is monitoring events as this process unfolds. The FOMA is prepared for the budget conference to push for essential funding for GME, the FRAME program, and other healthcare initiatives expanding access to care. Although several substantive bills passed the legislative process, some depend on funding through the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
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