Bill > S0480

This bill creates a new section in Florida Statutes that allows specific nonprofit agricultural organizations to offer medical benefit plans to their members under certain conditions. A qualifying nonprofit agricultural organization must be domiciled in Florida, tax-exempt under federal law, created to support rural communities and farmers, existing since before 1945, collecting annual member dues, and having members from most of Florida's counties. These medical benefit plans are explicitly not considered insurance under Florida law, which means they are not subject to standard insurance regulations. The bill requires organizations offering such plans to provide a clear, prominent written disclaimer explaining that the plan is not traditional health insurance and lacks typical consumer protections. Organizations are prohibited from selling these plans through licensed insurance agents and must conduct and publicly share an annual financial audit performed by an independent certified public accountant. The purpose appears to be providing an alternative, less regulated method for agricultural organization members to access medical cost-sharing arrangements while ensuring transparency and protecting consumers through mandatory disclosures. The law will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Business and Industry

Banking and Insurance (S), Rules (S)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/480