Ava McDonnell
As of Friday, Oct. 17, another 15 bills were filed for the Florida legislative election in 2026. From parental leave and diabetes cost caps to car insurance reforms and corporate tax changes, the proposals cover a wide range of issues that would affect families, workers, veterans, and businesses.
Official government documents can be difficult to understand so here a breakdown of all 15 bills filed on Friday:
Non-Nursing Parity
House Bill 219 would require that licensed caregivers who provide non-nursing help to Medicaid patients, such as home-care support, must be paid at least the same amount as unlicensed caregivers who do the same work. The goal is to make pay more fair and encourage more licensed workers to stay in the Medicaid system.
The bill would become law as soon as it is signed, and the new payment rules would begin on January 1, 2027.
Paid Parental Leave
Senate Bill 220 would require the state of Florida to provide 12 weeks of paid leave to certain state employees after they have a baby or adopt a child. The leave would be “paid parental leave” and would be separate from their sick or annual leave.
If passed, the bill would go into effect July 1, 2026.
Minimum Wage
House Bill 221 would allow certain employees to opt out of Florida’s state minimum wage law by signing a waiver. It also states that even if they opt out, the employer must pay at least the federal minimum wage. The bill would also limit how long some work-based learning programs can run.
If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026.
Diabetes Management
Senate Bill 222 would prevent health insurance policies from charging more than a set amount in out-of-pocket costs for certain diabetes supplies. Specifically:
- For a 30-day supply of insulin, the cost-sharing (copay/coinsurance/deductible) can’t exceed $35.
- For a 30-day supply of a diabetes device or a device to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis, it can’t exceed $100.
If passed, it would take effect July 1, 2026, and would apply to policies delivered, issued, renewed, or amended on or after January 1, 2027.
Naturapathic Medicine
House Bill 223 would create a new official licensure path for naturopathic doctors in Florida. It proposes establishing a “Board of Naturopathic Medicine” under the Florida Department of Health, and set standards such as examination, endorsement for already-licensed practitioners, financial responsibility, and disclosure of herbal or natural medicines prescribed.
If approved, the bill would take effect on Dec. 31, 2026.
Car Insurance Factors
Senate Bill 224 would require automobile liability insurers in Florida to stop using certain personal characteristics when establishing rates or rate categories. These factors include sex, marital status, home ownership, education level, occupation, ZIP code (“postal zone”), and credit score.
If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026.
Trade-In Vehicles
Senate Bill 226 revised the definition of “purchase price” under the state’s “Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act.” This would mean when someone trades in a vehicle as part of purchasing another, the amount attributed to that trade-in (for warranty/purchase-price purposes) would be based on a different valuation method. This could affect warranties, price disclosures, dealer calculations and consumer rights under the warranty act.
If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026.
Toll Discounts
Senate Bill 228 would create a two-year pilot program giving certified veteran-owned businesses a 50% discount on tolls incurred by commercial vehicles used for their business on state toll roads.
If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026.
Insurance Transparency
Senate Bill 230 would define “trade secret” under state insurance statutes. It also mentions imposing fines up to $25,000 for falsely claiming trade-secret status to hide illegal financial practices by insurers.
If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026.
Presidential Elections
Senate Bill 232 proposes Florida to join the Interstate Compact for the National Popular Vote, pledging the state’s electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the national popular vote, rather than the state vote.
However, the bill would be inactive until enough states join the compact. There are currently a total of 270 electoral votes.
If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026.
Financial Transaction
Senate Bill 234 would require insurers to report certain financial transactions to the state annually. Employers would have to disclose information like payments to companies they work with.
Additionally, the bill would prohibit insurers from issuing dividends or executive bonuses if they are in “hazardous financial health.”
If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026.
Rental Assistance for Veterans
Senate Bill 236 would establish a “Veterans’ Rental Assistance Grant Program” to help low-income, honorably discharged Florida veterans pay rental security deposits, receiving up to $2,000.
If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026.
Corporate Taxes
Senate Bill 238 would overhaul Florida’s corporate income tax structure by requiring “unitary combined groups” of connected businesses to file a mandatory combined state tax return and by repealing current consolidated-return rules.
If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026.
Auxiliary Containers
Senate Bill 240 would preempt local governments from regulating “auxiliary containers” like bags, cups, bottles, cans, packaging. The state would be given control, along with requiring a “Statewide Marine Debris Reduction Plan” to reduce plastic and other packaging litter in waterways and coastal areas. In sum, there would be a state policy rather than varying local rules.
If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026.
Pregnancy Support
Senate Bill 242 would repeal existing Florida statutes that coordinate pregnancy support and wellness services via the state health department.
If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026.
As these proposals move through the legislative process, they may be amended, debated, or voted into law. Whether all, some, or none of these bills ultimately pass, they will still shape how Floridians work, vote, receive care, and do business for years to come. So, we hope this break down helps you understand each bill a little better.
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