Thank You- Legislative Days 2026: A Historic and Highly Successful Advocacy Effort
The Florida Pharmacy Association’s 2026 Legislative Days, held January 27–28 at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee, marked a historic and highly successful advocacy effort for the profession of pharmacy.
Over the course of two days, more than 200 FPA members convened at the Capitol, representing the largest attendance ever for FPA Legislative Days. Pharmacists, student pharmacists, faculty, and leaders from every Florida college of pharmacy were present, underscoring the unified voice of our profession and the depth of engagement across the state.
FPA members conducted meetings with a significant number of Florida House and Senate members, ensuring that the perspective of Florida pharmacy was clearly and directly communicated. In addition, legislative priority packets were formally delivered to every member of the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate, guaranteeing comprehensive awareness of FPA’s policy priorities during a legislative session that features the largest volume of pharmacy related legislation in Florida’s history.
Attendees also observed and participated in key committee hearings, further reinforcing pharmacy’s active role in the legislative process and providing valuable insight into the progression of healthcare policy under consideration.
The FPA House FPPC sponsored event, reached maximum capacity and was exceptionally well attended by state legislators, past and present FPA board members, FPA staff, and association members. This gathering served as an important forum for dialogue, relationship building, and continued collaboration between policymakers and pharmacy leaders.
These Legislative Days demonstrated the strength, professionalism, and credibility of the Florida Pharmacy Association and its members. The engagement achieved, the breadth of representation, and the unprecedented level of participation collectively reflect FPA’s growing influence and its unwavering commitment to advocating for policies that protect patient access, support pharmacists, and strengthen healthcare delivery across Florida.
Thank you to all members, students, faculty, legislators, and FPA staff who contributed to making the 2026 Legislative Days such a resounding success.
Ben Levene
Government Affairs Committee Chair
Florida Pharmacy Association
2026 Advocacy Agenda
2026 Legislative Session Goals
- Continuing education (CE) requirements for Immunizations
- Prior drug authorization rules
- Florida Pharmacy Standards of Care
- Payment for Service
- Medicare Program
- Audit Bill
COVID-19 Vaccine:
The Board of Pharmacy (BOP) convened to address questions surrounding whether pharmacists are authorized to administer the current formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine. During the discussion, it was clarified that under Rule 64B16-27.650, pharmacists are permitted to administer FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines. In August 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the current formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has not yet formally recommended this specific formulation.
According to the BOP, a pharmacist may administer the COVID-19 vaccine under three provisions as outlined in Rule 64B16-27.650: (1) through FDA approval, (2) under the Travel Medication requirement, or (3) under ACIP guidance. Importantly, the vaccine does not need to be CDC-recommended for a pharmacist to administer it.
Despite this clarification, considerable confusion persists among Florida pharmacists and pharmacies concerning whether pharmacists can proceed with administering this vaccine. The Florida Pharmacy Association (FPA) has received multiple inquiries from pharmacist members seeking guidance on this issue. Rule 64B16-27.650 specifically lists COVID-19 vaccines as eligible for administration by pharmacists, yet there is a perception that these vaccines must also meet CDC recommendation criteria.
For those interested in learning more, please listen to the recording of today’s BOP meeting, which contains valuable insights into this discussion. A link to the recording is provided below. Should you have additional questions, feel free to contact the FPA offices for further assistance.
https://ww10.doh.state.fl.us/pub/hcpr/Pharmacy/2025/September/
How You Can Help
- Stay Informed: Watch for FPA emails, newsletters, and social media posts with legislative updates.
- Engage Lawmakers: Reach out to your representatives, share personal stories, and highlight how these bills directly affect patients and pharmacy practice.
- Support FPA Advocacy: Your membership, donations, and grassroots efforts amplify our unified voice in Tallahassee.
Together, we can protect patient access, uphold quality care, and ensure pharmacists are fully recognized for the services they provide. Thank you for standing with the FPA this legislative session!
Get involved, make a difference and let your voice be heard by reaching out to your Representatives. Search for who they are and how to contact them right here.
Legislative Session Reports
The FPA works with the advocacy team at Ronald L. Book, P.A. to advance our legislative agenda and the proactive policies presented by the Governmental Affairs Council. At the conclusion of each Florida legislative session, we produce a report detailing and clarifying the intricacies of each of the bills on our legislative agenda (supported, opposed, and monitoring) and how the profession will be impacted. The Legislative Session Report is a summary of the accomplishments of not only the FPA, but all members and providers in the State that have dedicated their time, resources, and efforts to keep the profession of pharmacy moving forward.
Our Governmental Affair Committee (GAC) and Association Lobbying team at Ronald L. Book, P.A. are continuously monitoring and discussing the newly introduced legislation, and they are keeping an ear to the ground for potential bills that may impact the profession of pharmacy or the practice of healthcare in the State.
To view the full scope of each Bill and the actions taken click HERE
Actively Monitoring:
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Sale and Purchase of Ivermectin |
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Sale and Purchase of Ivermectin: Authorizes sale & purchase of specified ivermectin as over-the-counter medication without prescription or consultation with health care provider. Effective Date: July 1, 2026 |
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Medicaid Providers |
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Requiring the Agency for Health Care Administration to include specified requirements in its contracts with Medicaid managed care plans; defining the term “outside of regular business hours”, etc. Effective Date: July 1, 2026 |
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Step-therapy Protocols |
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Step-therapy Protocols; Requiring the Agency for Health Care Administration to approve drug products for Medicaid recipients for the treatment of serious mental illness without step-therapy prior authorization under certain circumstances; directing the agency to include rate impacts resulting from the act in certain rates that become effective on a specified date, etc. Effective Date: Except as otherwise expressly provided in this act and except for this section, which shall take effect upon this act becoming a law, this act shall take effect October 1, 2026 |
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Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Autonomous Practice |
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Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Autonomous Practice; Authorizing certain advanced practice registered nurses to engage in autonomous practice to provide mental health services as defined by rule of the Board of Nursing, etc. Effective Date: 7/1/2026 |
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Access to Medicaid Providers |
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Access to Medicaid Providers: Requires AHCA to include specified requirements in its contracts with Medicaid managed care plans; defines “outside of regular business hours.” Effective Date: July 1, 2026 |
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10/14/25 HOUSE Filed |
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10/21/25 HOUSE Referred to Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee; Health Care Budget Subcommittee; Health & Human Services Committee |
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10/21/25 HOUSE Now in Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee |
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Minimum Wage Requirements |
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Minimum Wage Requirements: Provides that employer is not subject to state minimum wage requirements for specified employees; prohibits certain work-based learning opportunities from lasting longer than specified amount of time; authorizes employees to voluntarily opt out of state minimum wage requirements by signing waiver; prohibits employer from coercing employee into opting out of state minimum wage; provides requirements in order for waiver to be effective for minor employee; requires employers to pay employee at or above federal minimum wage; provides that employee’s waiver to opt out of state minimum wage is only valid for specified timeframe. Effective Date: July 1, 2026 |
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Cost-sharing Requirements for Diabetes Management |
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Cost-sharing Requirements for Diabetes Management; Prohibiting health insurance policies from imposing a cost-sharing requirement exceeding a certain amount for a 30-day supply of insulin or any diabetes device or diabetic ketoacidosis device, etc. Effective Date: 7/1/2026 |
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Transparency in Insurance Matters |
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Transparency in Insurance Matters; Defining the term “trade secret”; revising the requirements of a notice of trade secret submitted to the Office of Insurance Regulation or the Department of Financial Services; specifying that certain information is not a trade secret and is subject to public disclosure; requiring the office to review all claims of trade secret protection; requiring that fees, commissions, and profit-sharing agreements between insurers and affiliates be filed with the office and made publicly accessible on the department’s website, etc. Effective Date: July 1, 2026 |
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Insurers’ Financial Transactions |
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Insurers’ Financial Transactions; Requiring certain insurers to annually provide specified information to the Office of Insurance Regulation; requiring the office to contract annually with a specified entity to conduct a review of certain transactions; prohibiting an insurer from engaging in certain transactions with affiliates; prohibiting an insurer from declaring or paying dividends to shareholders or issuing executive bonuses under certain circumstances, etc. Effective Date: 7/1/2026 |
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Continuous Glucose Monitors |
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Continuous Glucose Monitors: Requires AHCA to, within specified timeframe, seek federal approval as needed to provide coverage of continuous glucose monitors & related supplies as durable medical equipment benefit under Medicaid program; provides for reimbursement of such equipment; provides construction; requires agency to implement these changes upon receiving any necessary federal approval. Effective Date: upon becoming a law |
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Connecting to Care Act |
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Connecting to Care Act; Citing this act as the “Connecting to Care Act”; authorizing a pharmacist to administer certain medications under certain circumstances, etc. Effective Date: July 1, 2026 |
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Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Autonomous Practice |
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Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Autonomous Practice: Authorizes certain advanced practice registered nurses to engage in autonomous practice to provide mental health services. Effective Date: July 1, 2026 |
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Controlled Substances |
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Controlled Substances: Adds to list of Schedule I controlled substances 7-Hydroxymitragynine concentrated at above 400 parts per million on dry-weight basis; excepts from list of Schedule I controlled substances certain xylazine animal drug products approved by USDA & used for certain purposes; provides criminal penalties & requires mandatory minimum term of imprisonment if person sells, manufactures, or delivers or possesses with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver xylazine; creates offense of trafficking in xylazine; provides criminal penalties & requires mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment & mandatory fines for specified offenses involving xylazine. Effective Date: October 1, 2026 |
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Advertisement of a Harmful Vaccine |
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Advertisement of a Harmful Vaccine: Provides manufacturer liability; authorizes individual to file cause of action; provides that prevailing party is entitled to actual damages, court costs, & reasonable attorney fees. Effective Date: July 1, 2026 |
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Cost-sharing Requirements for Insulin and Diabetes Supplies |
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Cost-sharing Requirements for Insulin and Diabetes Supplies: Prohibits health insurance policies from imposing cost-sharing requirements that exceed specified amount for 30 days of insulin & diabetes supplies. Effective Date: July 1, 2026 |
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Prescribing Authority |
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Prescribing Authority; Deleting the requirement that a supervising physician notify the Department of Health in writing of any delegation of prescribing authority to a physician assistant; deleting the requirement that a supervising physician’s name be included in the prescription issued by a physician assistant; revising requirements for the drug formulary for physician assistants; revising the drug formulary requirements for advanced practice registered nurses authorized to prescribe medications, etc. Effective Date: 7/1/2026 |
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Autonomous Practice by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist |
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Autonomous Practice by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist: Revises staff membership & clinical privileges for certain certified registered nurse anesthetists; authorizes certain certified registered nurse anesthetists to perform specified acts; revises practice requirements for autonomous advanced practice registered nurses; authorizes autonomous advanced practice registered nurses to perform certain acts. Effective Date: July 1, 2026 |
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Administration of Medications |
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Administration of Medications: Authorizes pharmacist to administer certain medications. Effective Date: July 1, 2026 |
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Advertisement of a Harmful Vaccine |
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Advertisement of a Harmful Vaccine; Defining the term “advertise”; providing manufacturer liability under certain circumstances; authorizing an individual to file a cause of action under certain circumstances within a specified timeframe, etc. Effective Date: 7/1/2026 |
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Controlled Substances |
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Controlled Substances; Adding 7-Hydroxymitragynine as a Schedule I controlled substance; excepting from the list of Schedule I controlled substances certain xylazine animal drug products approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and used for certain purposes; providing criminal penalties and requiring a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment if a person sells, manufactures, or delivers or possesses with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver xylazine; creating the offense of trafficking in xylazine; providing criminal penalties and requiring a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment and fines based on the quantity of the controlled substance involved in the offense, etc. Effective Date: Except as otherwise expressly provided in this act and except for this section, which shall take effect July 1, 2026, this act shall take effect October 1, 2026 |
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Autonomous Practice by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist |
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Autonomous Practice by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist; Revising requirements for clinical privileges for certain certified registered nurse anesthetists; authorizing certain certified registered nurse anesthetists to perform specified acts under certain circumstances; authorizing certain autonomous advanced practice registered nurses to perform specified acts as part of their autonomous practice, etc. Effective Date: 7/1/2026 |
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Legislative Days 2026 – Save the Date and Register Today!
Join us in Tallahassee January 27–28, 2026 for one of FPA’s most impactful annual events—Legislative Days. This is your opportunity to unite with pharmacy professionals from across Florida, engage directly with lawmakers, and ensure your voice is heard on the issues shaping our profession.
This year brings exciting additions:
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Two pre-event know before you go virtual webinar to prepare attendees on what to expect during our time together, how to speak to legislators and maximize advocacy efforts over the course of these two day.
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The always-anticipated FPPC Reception, offering meaningful networking with colleagues and leaders.
We’ll also provide a room block allocation for convenient accommodations, making your participation even easier.
📅 Dates: January 27–28, 2026
📍 Location: Tallahassee, FL
🗓️ Registration is now OPEN!
Agenda- Please click HERE to view
Book your hotel stay at the Drury in Tallahassee, FL using the booking link below:
https://www.druryhotels.com/bookandstay/newreservation/?groupno=10166103
Reservations must be made by Thursday, December 25, 2025, to receive your group rate. Reservations made after this date will be subject to prevailing rates and availability. Reservations may also be made by calling 1-800-325-0720 and referring to your group number 10166103.
Florida Pharmacy Law & Information Links
Updated 07/24/2023
Pharmacy
Chapter 465 Pharmacy (F.S.)
Rule 64B16-25. Organization and Purpose (F.A.C)
Rule 64B16-26. Pharmacist Licensure (F.A.C)
Rule 64B16-27. Pharmacy Practice (F.A.C)
Rule 64B16-28. General Requirements – Permits (F.A.C)
Rule 64B16-29.Animal Control Shelter Permits (F.A.C)
Rule 64B16-30. Disciplinary Guidelines (F.A.C)
Rule 64B16-31. Collaborative Practice and Test and Treat Certifications NEW
Rule 64B9 Biennial Licensure Dates (F.A.C)
Chapter 456.069 – Authority to Inspect
Chapter 381.0203 – Pharmacy Services
Chapter 381.887 – Emergency Treatment for Suspected Opioid Overdose
Chapter 828.055 – Controlled substances and legend drugs; permits for use in animal euthanasia
Chapter 831 – Forgery and CounterfeitingMedicinal Drugs; fraud in obtaining
Board of Pharmacy Inspection Forms
FDA Purple Book – List of Biosimilars
HIPPA Compliance
Controlled Substance
Chapter 893 – Drug Abuse Prevention and Control
Rule 64F-13.001 Definition of Emergency Situation
FAQ – Prescribing & Dispensing of CS for Pain
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs
893.055 Prescription Drug Monitoring Program64K-1 PDMP Rules
Rule 65D-30 Substance Abuse Services Office (F.A.C)
-Common Licensing Standards
-Standards for Detoxification
-Standards for Medication and Methadone Maintenance
Code of Federal Regulations
Part 1304 – Records and Reports of Registrants (C.F.R.)
Part 1306 – Prescriptions (C.F.R.)
Part 1307 – Miscellaneous (C.F.R.)
Part 1308 – Federal Schedules of Controlled Substances and Exemptions
Drug, Devices and Cosmetics
Nursing Homes
Chapter 400.0060 to 400.0091 – Long-Term Care Facilities Ombudsman Program
Chapter 400.011 to 400.334 – Nursing Homes (F.S.)
Chapter 400.141 – Repackaging of Prescription Drugs in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
Rule 59A – Minimum Standards for Nursing Homes (F.A.C.)
Chapter 400.461 to 400.53 – Home Health Agencies (F.S.)
Chapter 400.6005 to 400.611 – Hospices (F.S.)
Chapter 400.92 to 400.957 – Home Medical Equipment Providers
Chapter 429-01 to 429.55 – Assisted Living Facilities (F.S.)
Rule 58A-5.0185 – Medication Practices in ALFs
Rule 58A-5.033 – Administrative Enforcement (F.A.C)
Rule 65B-38 Intermediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF/DD) (F.A.C)
Medicaid
Chapter 409.901 to 409.9205 – Florida Medicaid (F.A.C.)
Chapter 409.961 – 409.985 – Medicaid Managed Care (F.A.C.)
Rule 59G-4.250 – Prescribed Drug Services (F.A.C.)
Rule 59G-4.251 – Prescribed Drugs Reimbursement Methodology
Rule 59G-4.255 – Prescription Drug coverage Denials (F.A.C.)
Rule 59G-9.070 – Administrative Sanctions on Providers, Entities and Persons
Other Prescribers
Chapter 458 Medical Practice (F.S.)
Chapter 459 Osteopathic Medicine (F.S.)
Chapter 460 Chiropractic Medicine (F.S.)
Chapter 461 Podiatric Medicine (F.S.)
Chapter 466 Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, and Dental Laboratories (F.S.)
Chapter 474 Veterinary Medical Practice (F.S.)
Chapter 64B8-6 Registration of Unlicensed Physician (F.A.C.)
Chapter 64B8-30 Physician Assistant (F.A.C.)
Chapter 64B9-4 Administrative Policies Pertaining to Certification of Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (F.A.C.)
Chapter 64B9-4016 ARNP Controlled Substance Formulary
Chapter 64B-8-30.008 PA Controlled Substance Formulary
Chapter 64B13-18 Topical Ocular Pharmaceutical Agents (F.A.C.)
Chapter 64B8-9 Standards of Practice for Medical Doctors (F.A.C.)
Chapter 64B15-14 Practice Requirements (F.A.C.)
Regulatory Links
Agency for Health Care Administration Managed Care Complaint Form
The Agency for Health Care Administration has provided this link to report issues related to the administration of the Medicaid Managed Care Program
Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research
The Health services research examines how people get access to health care, how much care costs, and what happens to patients as a result of this care.
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services
To ensure effective, up-to-date health care coverage and to promote quality care for beneficiaries
Department of Health and Human Services
Agency for protecting the health of all Americans
Drug Enforcement Administration
Office of Diversion Control
Drug and Alcohol Detox Center
Information on drug addiction
Drug Enforcement Administration
Florida Board of Pharmacy
Regulates the profession of pharmacy
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DDC)
The Division of Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics safeguards the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the state of Florida from injury due to the use of adulterated, contaminated, misbranded drugs, drug ingredients and cosmetics by administering the provisions of the Florida Drug and Cosmetic Act (Chapter 499, F.S.)
Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
Information on Florida’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
Food and Drug Administration
The FDA is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety, tobacco products, dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs (medications), vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, blood transfusions, medical devices, electromagnetic radiation emitting devices (ERED), and veterinary products.
HRSA (340B Program)
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable.
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
National Community Pharmacists Association
Senate Bill 1550/House Bill 1509: Prescription Drug Reform
Please Support the Drug Prescription Reform Act.
Tobacco Free Florida Campaign
In November 2006, Florida’s voters overwhelmingly approved a state constitutional amendment, Article X, Section 27, that called for establishing a comprehensive tobacco education and use prevention program using a percentage of the state’s tobacco settlement fund. As a result, Tobacco Free Florida (TFF) launched in 2007.TFF is administered through the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida (BTFF), and funded by money derived from the state’s tobacco settlement agreement with the major tobacco companies in 1997. – See more at: http://www.tobaccofreeflorida.com/about-us/#sthash.EiyjkU3U.dpuf