10/02/2026
🚨 FLORIDA FAMILIES: SHOW UP NEXT THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
The Florida Department of Health has scheduled an in-person public hearing on Thursday, October 8 on proposed changes to Rule 64D-3.046, Florida’s rule governing immunization requirements for school and child-care entry.
This is an important opportunity for Florida parents, families, and other interested residents to participate directly in the rulemaking process and make their views part of the public record.
WHAT IS BEING CONSIDERED?
The proposed rule would remove school and child-care immunization requirements that were imposed through Department rule but are not specifically required by Florida statute. Those include requirements involving hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.
The proposal also updates Florida’s religious-exemption form and Florida SHOTS provisions.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: On September 30, DOH published a Notice of Change removing language from the original August proposal that would have stated that religious tenets or practices may include a “sincerely held moral or ethical belief.” The existing statutory religious-exemption standard — based on conflict with a family’s religious tenets or practices — remains.
PUBLIC HEARING DETAILS
📅 Thursday, October 8, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET, or until the hearing concludes
📍 Orlando Marriott Lake Mary
Grand Ballrooms E, F, G & H
1501 International Parkway
Lake Mary, FL 32746
This hearing is in person, and the Department has invited all persons to attend.
If Florida’s school immunization policies, parental authority, religious exemptions, or access to education matter to you or your family, please make plans to be there.
Public participation matters. Whether you support the proposal, oppose portions of it, or believe additional changes are needed, this is the opportunity to speak directly to the Department before the rulemaking process is completed.
Florida families should know this hearing is happening. Please share this information widely.
