Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is fighting to protect Floridians from future mRNA vaccine mandates with a bold legislative push. The Governor and First Lady Casey DeSantis are taking a stand against federal overreach, pushing to make temporary protections permanent while challenging the CDC’s recommendations for children.
At a glance:
- DeSantis is pushing to make Florida’s temporary ban on mRNA vaccine mandates permanent
- The Governor wants vaccination status protections added to the Patient’s Bill of Rights
- DeSantis and First Lady Casey are urging the CDC to stop recommending COVID-19 vaccines for children
- Florida’s current ban on vaccine mandates is set to expire in June
- State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo supports the Governor’s health freedom initiative
DeSantis Takes Bold Stand for Health Freedom
Governor Ron DeSantis announced a major legislative initiative to permanently ban mRNA vaccine mandates throughout the state of Florida. The move comes as the current temporary ban is set to expire in June, with DeSantis determined to enshrine these protections into law for good.
The Governor made the announcement alongside First Lady Casey DeSantis and State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo at a press conference in Tampa. This initiative builds upon Florida’s track record of pushing back against what many conservatives view as federal overreach during the pandemic.
Protecting Patients and Parental Rights
DeSantis is calling for significant modifications to the Patient’s Bill of Rights that would prevent discrimination based on vaccination status. The proposed changes would explicitly prohibit physicians from denying treatment to patients who choose not to receive certain vaccines.
The Governor and First Lady are also challenging the CDC’s continued recommendation of COVID-19 vaccines for children. Their stance aligns with many parents who believe these decisions should remain in family hands rather than being dictated by federal agencies.
Today, @GovRonDeSantis, @FLSurgeonGen, and I called on the Florida Legislature to make permanent the prohibitions against the COVID mRNA vaccine mandate.
We're also requesting that the Florida Legislature ensure Floridians can never be discriminated against by healthcare… pic.twitter.com/GskpLDMa8o
— Casey DeSantis (@CaseyDeSantis) March 5, 2025
Fighting Back Against Mandate Policies
The DeSantis administration’s latest effort comes after numerous Floridians, including Disney World employees and firefighters, faced termination for refusing COVID-19 vaccination. These cases highlighted the need for stronger legal protections for individuals making personal health decisions.
State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo has been a key ally in Florida’s health freedom initiatives. His support adds medical credibility to the Governor’s push against what many conservatives see as government overreach in healthcare decisions.
The proposed legislation represents a continuation of Florida’s approach that prioritizes individual liberty and state authority over federal mandates. By seeking to make these protections permanent, DeSantis is cementing Florida’s position as a leader in the fight for medical freedom.
