Florida politics took a surprising turn this week as U.S. Senator Rick Scott publicly broke with Governor Ron DeSantis on one of the state’s most contentious health policy debates: vaccine mandates. Scott, one of the most prominent Republicans in Florida, rejected DeSantis’ push to eliminate vaccine requirements altogether, calling the state’s current system “a good balance” between protecting children’s health and respecting parental rights.
This marks one of the first high-profile signs of division within Florida’s GOP, where DeSantis has long dominated the conversation on COVID-era policies and beyond.
What’s Happening in Florida
On Wednesday, the DeSantis administration announced plans to make Florida the first state in the nation to end all vaccine mandates, including those required for schoolchildren. The governor framed the proposal as a push for “parental choice” and medical freedom.
However, the announcement looked more like a policy wishlist than an actionable directive. State lawmakers were not briefed ahead of time, and most vaccine requirements for children — with the exception of just four — are enshrined in state law. That means any full rollback would require legislative action.
Rick Scott Pushes Back
In an interview with Axios, Senator Scott made it clear that he does not support DeSantis’ latest move.
“Florida already has a good system that allows families to opt out based on religious and personal beliefs, which balances our children’s health and parents’ rights,” Scott said.
Currently, Florida parents can easily obtain a religious exemption for vaccines by visiting their local county health department. The process requires no appointment, no fees, and no questioning of beliefs, according to the Florida Department of Health.
That system is already widely used. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that Florida logged 10,556 non-medical vaccine exemptions for the 2024–25 school year — one of the highest figures nationwide.
Why It Matters
Scott’s break with DeSantis is notable for several reasons:
- GOP Fractures: It highlights growing differences within Florida’s Republican leadership, with some preferring a more measured approach to health policy.
- Public Health Stakes: Experts warn that rolling back vaccine mandates could increase risks for preventable disease outbreaks, especially in schools.
- Political Implications: DeSantis has built much of his national brand around challenging public health mandates. Scott’s opposition suggests not all Florida Republicans are aligned with that strategy.
What Comes Next
The governor’s office has not yet responded to questions about how, or if, it plans to move forward with eliminating vaccine requirements. Without legislative support, the proposal may remain more symbolic than practical.
Meanwhile, leading children’s hospitals — including Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and Texas Children’s Hospital — continue to stress the importance of routine vaccinations for kids, warning against policies that could weaken community protections.
Bottom Line
While Governor Ron DeSantis pushes for Florida to become the first state to end school vaccine mandates, Senator Rick Scott is standing firm against the idea. For Scott, Florida’s existing system already provides parents with flexibility while safeguarding public health.
This clash between two of Florida’s most influential Republicans not only underscores internal party divisions but also raises fresh questions about the state’s role in shaping national debates over vaccines, health freedom, and parental rights.
