FNA Legislative Report: 2025 Session

FNA Legislative Report: 2025 Session

During the 2025 Florida Legislative Session, the Florida Nurses Association focused its advocacy efforts on two major legislative priorities: the Protection from Surgical Smoke Bill and the 2025 Education Bill aimed at restoring oversight authority to the Florida Board of Nursing to approve and monitor nursing schools. These bills addressed essential concerns surrounding health and safety in the operating room and the quality of nursing education in the state of Florida.

The Protection from Surgical Smoke Bill sought to mandate the use of surgical smoke evacuation systems in Florida’s operating rooms. This legislation was designed to protect healthcare professionals and patients from the well-documented health hazards associated with surgical plume exposure. FNA launched a comprehensive grassroots campaign to support the bill, engaging members across the state and building strong partnerships with the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and its Florida local councils. The campaign received further reinforcement through formal support from the National AORN Office.

Advocacy activities included educating lawmakers through testimony and the presentation of scientific data, as well as distributing materials to hospitals and media outlets to raise public awareness about the issue. Despite these efforts, the bill was ultimately defeated. Opposition from the Florida Hospital Association, particularly over cost concerns related to rural hospitals, played a central role in its demise. FNA expressed deep disappointment in the outcome, stressing that the health and safety of nurses and patients are non-negotiable. With cost-effective solutions readily available, FNA remains committed to reintroducing the bill and continuing its advocacy on this critical workplace safety matter.

The 2025 Education Bill was another major focus for FNA during the legislative session. This bill aimed to return critical regulatory authority to the Florida Board of Nursing, empowering the Board to approve and monitor nursing education programs, enforce rigorous academic standards, and ensure that graduates are adequately prepared for licensure and practice. FNA advocated strongly for this bill, citing growing concerns about the proliferation of low-performing nursing programs. The association collaborated with nursing leaders and other stakeholders to demonstrate the importance of maintaining the integrity of nursing education.

The bill successfully passed through the legislature with bipartisan support. However, it was ultimately vetoed by the Governor, who cited concerns about regulatory burden and institutional autonomy. FNA responded with concern, highlighting that inadequate oversight of nursing programs poses a serious threat to both student success and patient safety. Florida has demonstrated the lowest NCLEX pass rate in the country for several years. Determined to keep this issue at the forefront, FNA plans to intensify its advocacy and coalition-building efforts in preparation for the 2026 Legislative Session.

Although the 2025 session presented both progress and challenges, FNA's advocacy efforts strengthened partnerships, increased awareness of critical nursing issues, and reinforced the association’s position as a leading voice for the nursing profession in Florida. FNA remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting evidence-based policy, advancing nurse advocacy, and protecting public health. Planning for the 2026 Legislative Session and the Annual Advocacy Days Conference in February is already underway.

Please join our Health Policy Special Interest Group Meetings on the 2^nd Tuesday of each month to stay abreast of advocacy opportunities.  The information is on the FNA website under events: www.floridanurse.org.