Although the 2025 Florida Legislative Session was originally scheduled to conclude on May 2, unresolved differences between the House and Senate budget proposals have delayed final adjournment. Lawmakers have extended the session through June 6 to complete negotiations and adopt the 2025-26 state budget. In the meantime, our contract lobbying partner, Continental Strategy, has released its comprehensive health care legislative roundup, detailing dozens of new laws passed this year that impact health care providers across the state — including home health agencies.

Of the 1,982 bills filed, only 254 passed both chambers — and 46 of those relate to health care, covering everything from Medicaid reforms and workforce expansion to behavioral health, maternal health, and regulatory modernization.

Thanks to your support, HCAF had two major advocacy priorities pass this session, despite the overall low number of bills advancing. These victories, alongside the broader legislative trends captured in Continental Strategy’s report, underscore the critical role of sustained advocacy and effective representation in Tallahassee.

HCAF-Led Legislative Wins

• HB 1353: Home Health Care Services: This HCAF-driven legislation removes outdated geographic limits on administrators and allows contract nurses to perform key visits, expanding operational flexibility and easing workforce strain. It also updates the Excellence in Home Health Program criteria to reflect meaningful, patient-centered outcomes.
• SB 1156: Home Health Aide for Medically Fragile Children Program: This law improves access to care for medically fragile children by raising Medicaid reimbursement, increasing daily care caps, streamlining training, and securing key federal approvals.

These wins were made possible through HCAF’s direct engagement with legislators and state officials, powered by your membership and in partnership with Continental Strategy.

Other Key Health Care Bills That Passed

In addition to HCAF’s priorities, Continental Strategy’s report highlights several other new laws that may impact home care providers, caregivers, and medically complex patients:

• HB 531 – Public Education of Background Screening Requirements: Requires AHCA and related agencies to launch a centralized, accessible website detailing Level 2 screening processes.
• HB 647 – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Services: Expands authority for nurse practitioners in hospice to certify and file death certificates, easing burdens on interdisciplinary teams.
• HB 1091 – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Care: Improves access to mental health and substance use care through streamlined procedures, workforce training, and integrated crisis services.
• HB 547 – Medical Debt: Tightens consumer protections around the sale and collection of medical debt—important for agencies working with vulnerable or low-income populations.
• HB 633 – Behavioral Health Managing Entities: Increases transparency and performance accountability for Florida’s behavioral health managing entities.
• HB 907 – Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases: Establishes the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases and supports genomic screening efforts for complex pediatric populations.

Stay Tuned: Full Session Report Coming Soon

While lawmakers have extended session through June 30 to finalize the state budget, HCAF will release a comprehensive legislative session recap as soon as the 2025-26 budget is adopted and signed by the Governor. This final report will provide detailed analysis of funding decisions, agency directives, and implementation timelines affecting home health care.

Thank You for Supporting Advocacy That Works

Continental Strategy represents HCAF at the Capitol as an extension of your voice. These wins and continued representation are made possible because of your investment in HCAF membership. Whether you responded to our calls for feedback, participated in advocacy events, or simply maintained your membership — thank you.

Click here to download the full health care legislative update.