summary
Introduced
12/01/2025
12/01/2025
In Committee
12/16/2025
12/16/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to naturopathic medicine; redesignating ch. 462, F.S., as “Naturopathic Medicine”; creating s. 462.001, F.S.; providing legislative findings and purpose; creating s. 462.002, F.S.; providing applicability and construction; renumbering and amending s. 462.01, F.S.; revising and providing definitions; creating s. 462.004, F.S.; creating the Board of Naturopathic Medicine within the Department of Health; providing for membership of the board; renumbering and amending s. 462.023, F.S.; authorizing the board to adopt rules; deleting obsolete language; creating s. 462.006, F.S.; prohibiting unlicensed persons from practicing naturopathic medicine or promoting, identifying, or describing themselves using specified titles or abbreviations; providing criminal penalties; creating s. 462.007, F.S.; providing for licensure by examination of naturopathic doctors; requiring the department and the board to use an investigative process to ensure that applicants meet the applicable criteria; authorizing the State Surgeon General or her or his designee to issue a 90-day licensure delay under certain circumstances; providing construction; prohibiting the board from certifying certain applicants for licensure until a certain investigation is completed; authorizing the board to take specified actions if it determines that an applicant does not meet all of the requirements for licensure; creating s. 462.008, F.S.; providing for licensure by endorsement of naturopathic doctors; renumbering and amending s. 462.08, F.S.; revising requirements for licensure renewal for naturopathic doctors; requiring the department to adopt rules; renumbering and amending s. 462.18, F.S.; revising continuing education requirements for naturopathic doctors; requiring naturopathic doctors to use the department’s electronic continuing education tracking system to demonstrate compliance with continuing education requirements; renumbering and amending s. 462.19, F.S.; revising provisions related to reactivation of inactive naturopathic doctor licenses; requiring the board to adopt rules; renumbering and amending s. 462.14, F.S.; revising grounds for disciplinary action; repealing s. 462.17, F.S., relating to penalty for offenses relating to naturopathy; amending ss. 20.43, 381.0031, 468.301, 476.044, 477.0135, 485.003, 486.161, 627.351, 893.02, and 921.0022, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill modernizes the regulation of naturopathic medicine in Florida by creating a comprehensive framework for licensing, practicing, and overseeing naturopathic doctors. The bill redesignates the existing chapter on naturopathy and establishes a Board of Naturopathic Medicine within the Department of Health, composed of seven members including licensed naturopathic doctors, physicians, and a public member. It defines naturopathic medicine as a distinct health practice focused on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment using natural substances and techniques, while explicitly stating what practitioners cannot do, such as performing surgery or prescribing certain medications. The bill creates detailed requirements for licensure, including educational standards, examination processes, and continuing education requirements. Practitioners must hold a specific doctoral degree from an accredited program, pass national examinations, and maintain professional standards. The legislation also differentiates between traditional naturopathy and naturopathic medicine, allowing broader use of natural health practices while establishing clear professional boundaries and regulatory oversight. Criminal penalties are established for unlicensed practice, and the bill updates various state statutes to recognize naturopathic doctors as a legitimate healthcare profession.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Now in Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services (on 02/12/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/688 |
| Analysis - Health Policy (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/688/Analyses/2026s00688.hp.PDF |
| Analysis - Health Policy (Pre-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/688/Analyses/2026s00688.pre.hp.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/688/BillText/Filed/HTML |
Loading...