Florida is set to make history as the first state in the U.S. to abolish all vaccine mandates. Governor Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced the move on Wednesday, sparking national debate after Ladapo compared vaccine requirements to “slavery.” The decision directly challenges decades-old public health policies and aligns with the controversial “Make America Healthy Again” agenda promoted by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Read: Stock Market Hit Hard as US Faces $120 Billion Tariff Refund
DeSantis’ Landmark Decision
Governor Ron DeSantis declared that Florida would create an MAHA commission to integrate new health policies focused on “individual medical freedom,” “informed consent,” and “parent rights.” This marks the first time a state has sought to eliminate every vaccine requirement for schools.
Also read: Trump Cornered as Congress Pressures for Epstein Files Release
Ladapo’s Controversial Remarks
Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo drew applause when he equated vaccine mandates to “slavery.” He said, “Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery.” He further questioned the government’s role, stating, “Who am I to tell you what your child should be putting in their body? I don’t have that right.”
Also read: Appeals Court Blocks Trump, Reinstates Fired FTC Commissioner
Decades of School Mandates
For decades, Florida required schoolchildren from kindergarten through 12th grade to be vaccinated against deadly diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, and Hepatitis B. Exemptions were allowed only for medical or religious reasons. These measures had long been credited with preventing outbreaks and saving lives.
Also read: Epstein Files Dump Sparks Fury as Lawmakers Demand Full Disclosure
Federal Agenda Connection
The state’s policy shift mirrors Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. Since taking office, Kennedy has dismissed CDC vaccine advisory members, hired vaccine skeptics, and canceled mRNA-related studies. Experts warn his push has amplified misinformation and weakened vaccine infrastructure nationwide.
Also read: Trump Slams ‘Fake News’ After Health Rumors Spark Online Frenzy
Experts Raise Alarms
Public health officials stress that eliminating vaccine mandates risks devastating consequences. The CDC estimates childhood vaccines save more than four million lives annually. Studies consistently show mandates significantly reduce the spread of preventable diseases, especially in schools.
Also read: California Moves To Shield Schools From ICE Raids With Mandatory Family Alerts
Florida’s Declining Immunization Rates
Florida’s kindergarten vaccination rates have steadily dropped in recent years—from 93.5 percent in 2020 to 89.8 percent in 2024. The state has already seen consequences: in 2018, when rates slipped to 91.1 percent, measles cases resurged with at least 15 reported. Recent outbreaks in low-vaccination regions, such as West Texas, have turned deadly.
Also read: Trump Left Out Of Global Power Bloc as China, Russia, and India Unite In Historic Handshake
Political Pushback
Democratic Representative Anna Eskamani called the decision “a public health disaster in the making.” She warned, “Ending vaccine mandates is reckless and dangerous. It will drive down immunization rates & open the door to outbreaks of preventable diseases, putting children, seniors, and vulnerable Floridians at risk.”