The 2026 Florida Legislative Session concluded with a mix of high-profile victories and stalled priorities. Out of nearly 1,900 bills filed, only about 125 reached final passage – one of the least productive sessions in recent history. Even more daunting, of the approximately 125 bills passed this session, far fewer will become substantive policy changes or laws impacting Florida children and families. FLCA tracked approximately 25 key bills this year, with outcomes reflecting another session derailed with infighting.
While the House and Senate moved quickly on certain institutional reforms, internal friction meant that several measures designed to protect children, parental rights, and medical freedom directly impacting children did not cross the finish line.
Key Outcomes We Tracked:
• Official Actions of Local Governments (SB 1134) – VICTORY: In a major win for transparency and fiscal responsibility, this bill passed both chambers, prohibiting local governments from using taxpayer funds to promote or fund DEI initiatives.
• The Farm Bill (SB 290) – VICTORY: FLCA raised concern regarding the “muzzle clause” in the initial language of this bill that would have allowed the industry to sue individuals for disparaging agricultural products. We successfully saw that language removal, protecting the free speech rights of Floridians, including parents who want to research and discuss food ingredients and agricultural practices to better protect their children’s health.
• Education (HB 1071/SB 1090) – STALLED: Despite passing the House with a strong majority, this “Baby Olivia” legislation, which would have required high-definition fetal development videos in schools, failed in the Senate when Senate Rules Committee Chair, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, declined to bring the bill forward for a hearing, effectively preventing it from receiving a full vote in the Senate.
• Medical Freedom (HB 917/SB 1756) – STALLED: While the “Medical Freedom Act” passed the Senate, it was never taken up by the House. This legislation would have strengthened conscience protections and expanded access to vaccine exemptions, particularly for families seeking greater medical autonomy for their children. Expanding parental access to vaccine exemptions remains a top priority for FLCA, and we will continue advocating for stronger protections next session.
• Artificial Intelligence (SB 482/HB 1395) – STALLED: The “AI Bill of Rights” passed the Senate but died in the House after House Speaker Daniel Perez suggested AI regulation should remain a federal issue. Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in education platforms, mental-health tools, and online services used by minors. Clear guardrails are needed to ensure the protection of children and maintain parental oversight. This issue remains critically important as we look toward next session.
• Education & Parental Rights: Several measures, including the “Materials Harmful to Minors” (HB 1119), “Parental Rights in Healthcare” (HB 173), and “Whistleblower Protections for Teachers” (HB 139), passed the House but failed to receive final votes in the Senate, leaving critical gaps in education and medical protections for children, families, and teachers. Because the House and Senate were unable to agree on a final spending plan before the regular session adjourned, a Special Session in mid-April will convene to finalize the state budget. There remains a $1.4 billion gap between the two chambers, with critical funding for education, rural infrastructure, and healthcare still hanging in the balance.
Leadership changes in the coming year could reshape the legislative landscape and improve the prospects for more productive sessions moving forward.
All legislation FLCA formally opposed was either defeated in committee or amended to address the concerns raised, demonstrating the continued effectiveness of strong grassroots advocacy.
