A recent poll by McLaughlin & Associates, conducted from April 20 to 23, 2026, indicates that 80% of voters in Florida favor keeping the current vaccination requirements in the state's public schools.
This finding aligns with a previous survey conducted by the same firm from January 5 to 8, where 79% of likely Florida voters expressed support for maintaining existing school vaccination policies.
Republican pollster Jim McLaughlin, a seasoned strategist for the Republican Party and pollster for President Donald Trump, described this support as a strong and steady consensus. "This is a lasting consensus," McLaughlin remarked. "About eight out of ten voters back the current law, with a majority opposing any changes. When voters consider the implications, the support strengthens, indicating the issue's stability among the electorate."
The survey was released on the same day that a special four-day legislative session commenced, called by Governor Ron DeSantis, who included "medical freedom" as a topic on the agenda.
During this session, Republican Senator Clay Yarborough from Jacksonville plans to introduce legislation identical to the SB 1756 bill, known as the Medical Freedom Act. This bill was approved by the Florida Senate on March 9 with a 23 to 15 vote but stalled in the House of Representatives after failing to receive a hearing during the regular session.
The proposed legislation seeks to expand school vaccination exemptions to include personal or conscientious reasons, in addition to the existing medical or religious exemptions. It would also allow over-the-counter sales of ivermectin and make permanent the ban on discrimination based on COVID-19 vaccination status.
The legislative debate comes amid rising health concerns: Florida has reported over 100 measles cases so far in 2026, ranking it as the third-highest state for cases nationwide. The kindergarten vaccination rate in Florida is just 88.1%, falling short of the 95% needed for herd immunity.
Nationally, the United States recorded 1,136 measles cases in the first eight weeks of 2026, a figure six times higher than the historical annual average, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Critics of the bill warn of the dangers in reducing vaccination coverage. Representative Driskell labeled it "an anti-vaccine agenda disguised as medical freedom."
Conversely, Yarborough defended the proposal, stating that it "gives all parents the ability to make the decision they believe is best for their child and family."
This legislative push is part of a trend promoted since 2025 by DeSantis and Florida's Surgeon General, Joseph Ladapo, who in September of that year unveiled a plan to eliminate school vaccination mandates in the state, calling them "flawed."
The special legislative session runs through May 1, and the poll results add political pressure on lawmakers considering easing vaccination rules, as public support for maintaining them remains strong even among Florida's Republican voters.
Florida's School Vaccination Policies: Key Questions Answered
What percentage of Florida voters support current school vaccination requirements?
According to a recent poll, 80% of Florida voters support maintaining the existing vaccination requirements in public schools.
What does the proposed Medical Freedom Act aim to change?
The Medical Freedom Act seeks to expand school vaccination exemptions to include personal or conscientious reasons, and it would also allow the sale of ivermectin without a prescription.
How does Florida's current measles situation compare to the national average?
Florida has confirmed over 100 measles cases in 2026, making it the third state with the most cases, and the United States as a whole has seen a significant rise in cases compared to historical averages.
What are the main criticisms of the proposed legislation?
Critics argue that the bill could reduce vaccination coverage, posing health risks, and describe it as an anti-vaccine agenda hidden under the guise of medical freedom.