During the 2025 Florida Legislative Session, the Florida Nurses Association (FNA) focused its advocacy on two major priorities: the Protection from Surgical Smoke Bill and the 2025 Education Bill, both addressing critical issues of workplace safety and nursing education quality.
The Protection from Surgical Smoke Bill sought to require surgical smoke evacuation systems in Florida’s operating rooms, protecting healthcare professionals and patients from harmful plume exposure. FNA led a strong grassroots campaign in collaboration with the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and gained formal backing from AORN’s national office. Efforts included lawmaker education, testimony, and public outreach through hospitals and media. Despite widespread advocacy, the bill was defeated due to opposition from the Florida Hospital Association, which cited rural hospital cost concerns. FNA expressed deep disappointment, emphasizing that affordable solutions exist and pledging to reintroduce the bill in future sessions.
The 2025 Education Bill aimed to restore oversight authority to the Florida Board of Nursing, ensuring approval and monitoring of nursing schools, enforcing rigorous standards, and protecting students and patients from the risks of poorly performing programs. With Florida continuing to post the lowest NCLEX pass rate in the nation, FNA argued that strong oversight is essential. The bill passed with bipartisan support in the legislature but was vetoed by the Governor over concerns about regulation and institutional autonomy. FNA warned that lack of oversight jeopardizes both nursing graduates and public safety and will continue building coalitions to advance this issue in 2026.
While the 2025 session brought both setbacks and progress, FNA strengthened partnerships, elevated nursing concerns statewide, and reinforced its role as a leading advocate for the profession. Looking ahead, planning is already underway for the 2026 Legislative Session and FNA’s Annual Advocacy Days in February.
Members are encouraged to stay engaged through the Health Policy Special Interest Group, which meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday. Details are available at www.floridanurse.org.
