summary
Introduced
12/23/2025
12/23/2025
In Committee
01/05/2026
01/05/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to the practice of veterinary medicine; amending s. 474.201, F.S.; revising legislative findings regarding the practice of veterinary medicine; amending s. 474.202, F.S.; providing definitions; amending s. 474.203, F.S.; providing that specified exemptions apply to certain veterinary technicians; amending s. 474.204, F.S.; revising membership of the Board of Veterinary Medicine; creating s. 474.2071, F.S.; providing requirements for licensure of veterinary technicians; amending 474.211, F.S.; providing continuing education requirements for the renewal of veterinary technicians' licenses; amending s. 474.213, F.S.; prohibiting certain persons from taking specified actions relating to the licensure of and the use of the titles of licensed veterinary technicians; providing criminal penalties; amending s. 474.214, F.S.; providing grounds for disciplinary action against applicants for licensure and licensed veterinary technicians; authorizing the board to take specified actions against certain persons; providing for the reissuance of a license to a licensed veterinary technician under certain circumstances; creating s. 474.223, F.S.; providing scope of practice hb871-00 relating to licensed veterinary technicians; authorizing licensed veterinary technicians to provide specified services; authorizing supervising veterinarians to delegate specified responsibilities to licensed veterinary technicians; prohibiting licensed veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants from taking specified actions or identifying themselves as specified persons; amending s. 828.30, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill comprehensively updates Florida's veterinary medicine regulations by establishing a formal licensure and practice framework for veterinary technicians. The bill creates new definitions for veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants, requires veterinary technicians to have an associate degree from an accredited program and pass a national exam, and adds two veterinary technicians to the Board of Veterinary Medicine. It specifies a detailed scope of practice for licensed veterinary technicians, allowing them to perform specific medical procedures under veterinarian supervision, such as catheterization, euthanasia, suturing, and administering rabies vaccinations. The bill also establishes continuing education requirements (15 hours biennially for veterinary technicians), creates grounds for disciplinary action against veterinary technicians, and sets penalties for misrepresentation, including criminal misdemeanors for falsely claiming to be a licensed veterinary technician. Additionally, the bill updates existing laws to include veterinary technicians in various provisions, such as rabies vaccination protocols and exemptions to veterinary practice regulations. The changes are designed to ensure patient safety, define professional boundaries, and create a clear regulatory structure for veterinary technicians in Florida, with the provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
1st Reading (Original Filed Version) (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/871 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/871/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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