Florida Democrats Slam DeSantis, Surgeon General for Decision to End Vaccine Requirements

Florida Democrats slammed Republican Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo for the “reckless and dangerous” decision to end vaccine requirements in the state.




The Florida Department of Health recently published notice of a rule change for school immunizations. The subject of the notice was: “Immunization requirements and forms for child care and school entry, and Florida SHOTS opt out provisions.”

“The DeSantis Administration’s decision to end vaccine requirements will result in the deaths of thousands of Floridians,” Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried stated.

The health notice overview states: The purpose is to update the immunization and document requirements for school entry, including DH 680, Florida Certification of Immunization, DH 681, Religious Exemptions for Immunization, and the Immunization Guidelines—Florida Schools, Childcare Facilities and Family Daycare Homes. The language and form for opting out of inclusion in Florida SHOTS will also be updated.

The top Democrat in the state party said ending vaccine requirements was a “morally bankrupt play” by Republicans that will end up hurting communities.

“We have seen the rise of preventable, yet deadly diseases in other states, and we know where this type of policy leads: outbreaks, illness, and even death from preventable things like polio, measles, mumps, and chicken pox,” FDP Chair Nikki Fried said. “When communities have access to vital, preventative care, they have better outcomes, and healthcare costs go down for all of us.”

Orlando Congressman Maxwell Frost, also a Democrat, also criticized the decision.

“Ron DeSantis and his fraud of a surgeon general want Floridians to die of diseases that have been widely eradicated for decades, all to score points with conspiracy theorists like RFK Jr. The decision to eliminate the state’s vaccine mandate is not based in truth or science but on unhinged, unproven conspiracy theories about medicines that have literally saved millions of lives,” Representative Maxwell Frost said. “This will not only jeopardize individuals, but it will endanger entire communities. Florida will become a hotbed for diseases like measles, tuberculosis, RSV, and the flu – diseases that vaccines have proven to prevent and that threaten children, seniors, and vulnerable Floridians the most. In our schools, workplaces, and public spaces, no one will be safe. People will die. Kids will die.

Republican Governor DeSantis has explained his priority is on informed consent and protecting parents’ rights, while being willing to challenge medical orthodoxy not supported by data. Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo called mandates “immoral” and he does not support the government mandating what people put in their bodies.



Democratic State Representative Anna Eskamani, who is also running for Orlando Mayor in 2027, said the issue is not about politics, but about protecting kids and families, preventing outbreaks that can close classrooms, and safeguarding a healthy economy.

“This is a reckless and dangerous departure from decades of public health policy that has kept our children safe,” Rep. Anna Eskamani said. “Currently, Florida law requires immunizations for diseases like measles, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis before a child can attend school. Exemptions are available, meaning that families have the opportunity to opt out. While the Department of Health can change some rules on its own, many of these protections are written directly into state law. That means the Governor cannot do this unilaterally—any attempt to end these requirements will require the Florida Legislature to act.”

Florida Democrats are not only against this move, they warn of bigger problems.

“Ron is working overtime on his Trump impersonation and is completely distracted from the affordability crisis in Florida,” FDP Chair Nikki Fried said. “No child should die because reckless adults are playing political games with public health. Working families want safe public schools, affordable housing, and access to healthcare – all things they’ve been losing since DeSantis took office.”

Orlando Congressman Maxwell Frost added: “This is a disgusting move to undermine the health of Floridians. We need to do everything in our power to make sure this reversal never sees the light of day.”