So far, Florida has failed to end vaccine mandates. Now there's a last-ditch effort

Larry Downs of Pensacola, Fla., speaks out against childhood vaccine mandates at a public hearing held by Florida's Department of Health on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in Panama City Beach, Fla. Kate Payne/AP hide caption toggle caption Kate Payne/AP Every state, as well as D.C., requires children to obtain certain vaccinations before they can attend school or childcare. These mandates date back decades, and are considered a foundational bulwark of public health defense against infectious disease . …