Health News Florida

01/30/2026

We can't thank you enough for all your support over the years.

Moving forward, we will no longer be posting to this account, but the health news you've come to rely on will continue to be shared over on our main page at WUSF Public Media.

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01/27/2026

The decision invalidates more than 70,000 petition signatures, dealing a blow to supporters of a proposed recreational ma*****na constitutional amendment.

The three-judge panel overturned a circuit court's ruling on inactive voters and upheld a ruling on petitions gathered by nonresidents, with the net effect of invalidating more than 70,000 signatures.

01/27/2026

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, said the measure was similar to other moves by the state in recent years to expand parental rights in areas such as health care and education.

The measure, which would create a new path for parents who don’t want their schoolchildren vaccinated, drew sharp warnings from health care experts about public health risks.

01/27/2026

According to first lady Casey DeSantis, a significant part of the problem is how the candy is marketed and consumed. Manufacturers criticized the analysis as "misguided." Should parents be worried?

The DeSantis administration's Healthy Florida First initiative finds traces of the toxic element in several popular candies. How dangerous is this? Manufacturers criticize the testing as "misguided."

01/27/2026

The “expectant mother parking permit” allows pregnant women to obtain disabled parking placards at any point in their pregnancies.

01/24/2026

The legislation would allow people injured by vaccines to sue drug manufacturers that advertise the products. Opponents cite the First Amendment and the creation of a "hidden tort tax."

01/23/2026

The measure would prohibit smoking or va**ng ma*****na in a variety of places.

The measure would prohibit smoking or va**ng ma*****na in a variety of places, such as streets, parks, beaches, government buildings, office buildings, lodging establishments and restaurants.

01/23/2026

The money will go toward the LINE program, which provides scholarships and financial assistance.

01/23/2026

Providing gender-affirming care, such as hormone treatment, to people under 18 is illegal in Florida. But a new bill could change who can be charged for it and who can investigate it.

01/23/2026

The county's new medical director, Dr. Ben Abo, led training and response changes that quadrupled the number of resuscitation successes.

01/20/2026

Dr. Carlos Abanses of St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Tampa offers guidance on prevention, symptoms, vaccines, fever fears, hydration and when to get emergency care.

01/20/2026

Students face increased mental health risk while dealing with the challenges of a hurricane.