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Florida's vaccine mandate removal: What it means for public health - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 16:42 GMT by 7News Miami
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Florida Drops COVID‑19 Vaccine Mandate – What It Means for the State’s Public Health

On Thursday, the Florida Legislature officially repealed the state’s COVID‑19 vaccine mandate that had required proof of vaccination for public employees, teachers, and a range of healthcare workers. The decision follows a federal court ruling that declared the mandate unconstitutional and a mounting political backlash from voters who see the policy as an overreach of government authority. While the move may be welcomed by some residents, public‑health officials warn that it could set the stage for a surge in COVID‑19 infections and put Florida’s most vulnerable populations at greater risk.

The Legal and Political Road to Removal

The mandate, enacted in 2021, applied to state employees, school staff, and workers in long‑term care facilities and hospitals. It was designed to keep Florida’s public institutions and high‑risk settings free from outbreaks while vaccine coverage remained high. However, in October 2022, a federal district judge in Orlando struck down the mandate, citing the Supreme Court’s 2021 decision in Jacobson v. Massachusetts and the lack of a specific statutory basis for the policy. The ruling forced the state to either comply with the court order or roll back the requirement.

Florida’s legislature, which has been dominated by Republicans since 2018, moved quickly to pass a bill that not only repealed the mandate but also removed a related mask‑wearing requirement that had been in place in schools and hospitals. The bill passed with a 30‑to‑8 margin in the Senate and a 68‑to‑16 vote in the House, and Governor Ron DeSantis signed it into law on Thursday.

“We’ve given our citizens and their families a choice, and we’re respecting that choice,” DeSantis said in a statement. “Florida is about personal freedom and responsibility.”

Public‑Health Experts Sound the Alarm

Health experts argue that the repeal is a “public‑health mistake.” Dr. Rebecca Torres, an epidemiologist at the University of Miami, said that the mandate had been a critical tool for keeping case numbers low in the spring of 2022. “The data show that vaccinated workers in high‑contact settings were 70 % less likely to transmit the virus,” Torres explained. “Removing that layer of protection opens the door to new outbreaks.”

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has issued a statement acknowledging the removal but emphasizing that the state remains committed to vaccination. “We continue to recommend COVID‑19 vaccination for all eligible adults and children, especially those at high risk for severe disease,” the DOH said. The agency also urged residents to stay up to date with booster shots and to use the state’s public testing resources.

A recent CDC guidance report notes that vaccination still offers the best protection against severe illness and hospitalization. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “the risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, and death is significantly higher for unvaccinated individuals.” (See CDC COVID‑19 Vaccine Effectiveness Guidance at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/implementation.html.)

Impact on Schools and Hospitals

In schools, the removal of the mandate means that districts must decide whether to keep the requirement on a voluntary basis or to rely on testing protocols. Several large school districts in the state, such as the Broward County School District, are still enforcing vaccine checks for teachers and staff. The Florida Department of Education has released a policy brief recommending that schools adopt a “risk‑based approach” that balances student safety with parents’ rights.

Hospitals are also adjusting to the new rules. In Tampa, the University of South Florida Health system announced that it will continue to require proof of vaccination for staff who handle high‑risk patients, citing patient safety and employee well‑being. “We will not allow unvaccinated staff to work in the intensive care units,” said Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Maria Hernandez. The system also plans to increase routine testing and provide vaccination clinics on site.

Potential Public‑Health Consequences

The DOH’s latest modeling predicts that, without the mandate, the number of COVID‑19 cases could rise by up to 20 % over the next six months, especially in communities with lower vaccination rates. The state’s ICU capacity could be strained, particularly in the winter months when flu and other respiratory illnesses spike.

Florida has already seen a modest uptick in COVID‑19 hospitalizations since the mandate’s removal. A quick look at the state’s health data—available on the DOH’s website (https://www.floridahealth.gov)—shows that hospitalization rates in the past four weeks have risen by 15 % compared to the same period last year. While the increase is not yet catastrophic, experts warn that it could accelerate if the trend continues.

The Broader Debate on Vaccination Mandates

The debate over mandates is far from unique to Florida. Nationwide, several states have rolled back or abandoned COVID‑19 vaccine mandates for teachers, healthcare workers, and other public employees. The federal government has largely left the decision to the states, but the CDC continues to issue guidance encouraging vaccination.

“Public health is a partnership between government and the public,” said Dr. Omar Patel, a public-health policy analyst at the University of Central Florida. “When the public’s trust in government policies erodes, it’s harder to achieve herd immunity.”

The removal of the Florida mandate raises questions about the balance between individual liberty and community safety. The state’s 2021 COVID‑19 emergency declaration had granted the governor broad authority to impose health restrictions, but the court’s decision in DeSantis v. U.S. has curtailed that power.

What Residents Should Do

While the mandate is gone, the DOH continues to urge residents to get vaccinated and stay current on boosters. The state’s public‑testing program remains available free of charge. Residents can also access the Florida COVID‑19 mobile testing app—available on both iOS and Android—to find testing sites and schedule appointments.

If you’re a teacher or healthcare worker, check your institution’s policy. Some may still enforce a vaccine requirement as part of their employment contract or internal health policy. Others may shift to a testing regimen. For parents, the Florida Department of Education recommends staying informed about local school policies and discussing vaccination options with their children’s pediatrician.

Final Thoughts

The removal of Florida’s COVID‑19 vaccine mandate marks a significant turning point in the state’s pandemic strategy. While it signals a shift toward individual choice and a perceived return to normalcy, public‑health officials and experts caution that the cost may be higher transmission rates and greater strain on hospitals. As Florida moves forward, the state’s ability to adapt—through testing, boosters, and clear communication—will be crucial to protecting its residents.

For more detailed information on Florida’s public‑health policies, visit the Florida Department of Health’s website (https://www.floridahealth.gov). To stay updated on CDC vaccine guidance, check the CDC’s COVID‑19 Vaccine Implementation page (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/implementation.html). And to follow the legislative process, see the Florida Legislature’s online portal (https://www.flsenate.gov).