Florida Senate Advances Bill Expanding Vaccine Exemptions for Schools

Proposal faces GOP concerns over risks to vulnerable children and disease resurgence.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Florida Senate has advanced a bill (SB 1756) that would expand vaccine exemptions for K-12 schools, despite concerns from some Republican members that the measure could put vulnerable children at risk and bring back previously eradicated diseases. The bill passed a Senate committee vote 10-7, with two GOP senators joining Democrats in opposing it. It now heads to the Rules Committee before reaching the Senate floor.

Why it matters

The bill is part of a broader push in Florida to roll back vaccine requirements, with the state's surgeon general and first lady publicly urging the legislature to consider even more expansive legislation. Critics argue the proposal could undermine public health and safety, especially for immunocompromised students, while proponents say it supports parental rights and transparency around vaccines.

The details

The bill creates a new "conscience" exemption allowing parents to opt out of immunizations typically required for children to attend public schools. It also requires healthcare providers to give parents information about vaccines and offer alternative vaccination schedules. Additionally, the bill would strip the state surgeon general's power to require vaccines during a public health emergency. A separate provision allows pharmacists to provide the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin over-the-counter to adults without a prescription, despite warnings from medical professionals against using it to treat COVID-19.

  • The bill (SB 1756) passed the Senate Appropriations Committee on February 24, 2026.
  • The bill has one more stop in the Rules Committee before reaching the full Senate floor.

The players

Sen. Clay Yarborough

The Republican senator from Jacksonville who sponsored the bill.

Sen. Gayle Harrell

A Republican senator from Stuart who voted against the bill, arguing it is "dangerous" and could bring back eradicated diseases.

Sen. Tom Wright

A Republican senator from New Smyrna Beach who also voted against the bill.

Sen. Ralph Massullo

A Republican senator from Lecanto who said he would vote for the bill in committee but may not support it on the Senate floor unless changes are made.

Gov. Ron DeSantis

The Florida governor who, along with the state's surgeon general, has publicly urged the legislature to consider even more expansive legislation to repeal vaccine mandates.

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What they’re saying

“My physician has said to me, 'Gayle, I don't want to learn how to treat polio,' and that's what's going to happen. I truly believe that this is a dangerous bill, and I cannot vote for it, I'm sorry.”

— Sen. Gayle Harrell, Republican senator from Stuart (CBS Miami)

“This bill supports the values we all hold dear: Transparency, educated decision making, the right to an education, and the right of Florida's parents to make decisions they believe are best for their children.”

— Sen. Clay Yarborough, Bill sponsor, Republican senator from Jacksonville (CBS Miami)

“Everyone should be given the same information that is scientifically accurate and true. I believe in parents' rights, and we have the responsibility to be sure they are well informed.”

— Sen. Ralph Massullo, Republican senator from Lecanto (CBS Miami)

What’s next

The bill has one more stop in the Rules Committee before it reaches the full Florida Senate floor for a vote.

The takeaway

This bill highlights the ongoing debate in Florida over vaccine requirements, with proponents arguing for expanded parental rights and opponents warning of risks to public health, especially for vulnerable students. The outcome could have significant implications for school immunization policies across the state.