As 2025 began, a number of Florida’s big legal issues were pending in state and federal courts. Many revolve around healthcare. Here’s what to look out for in 2025.
Medicaid eligibility: A federal judge heard testimony this summer in a class action lawsuit involving people who were removed from Florida’s Medicaid program after the end of the federal public health emergency declared due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. . The complaint alleges the state failed to properly notify people before removing them from the program.
Transgender laws: The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is considering a challenge to a Florida law that bars Medicaid coverage for transgender people seeking hormone therapy or puberty blockers to treat gender dysphoria. Legislation is also being considered that would prohibit minors from starting such treatment and limit the number of adults who can seek it.
Campus closure: Lawsuits have been filed in Florida and across the country claiming students should receive refunds for money they paid after college campuses temporarily closed due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in 2020. The Florida Supreme Court is considering a lawsuit filed against the University of Florida over fees paid for services such as transportation, medical care and athletics.
Social media restrictions: Concerned about children’s mental health, state lawmakers passed a high-profile bill in 2024 that would ban children under 16 from opening social media accounts on some platforms. However, the content allows parents to consent for a period of 14 to 15 years. The old man has an account. Tech industry groups are challenging the law on First Amendment grounds.
Opioid sedation: Attorney General Ashley Moody faces a high-stakes battle over whether hospital districts and school boards can move forward with opioid epidemic lawsuits after losing in an appeals court and reaching a settlement with the pharmaceutical industry. He went to the Florida Supreme Court.
Lab-grown meat: Upside Foods has appealed to the Eleventh Circuit after a federal judge denied a California company’s request to block a Florida law banning “cultured” meat. Upside grows chicken products in the lab from cultured animal cells approved for sale by federal agencies. State officials say they question the safety of lab-grown meat.
Medical cannabis: In November, state health officials announced they would grant medical marijuana licenses to 22 of 74 applicants. (A 2017 law requires the number of permits to increase as the number of eligible patients increases.) These notices, which followed an 18-month selection process, are subject to legal challenges by unsuccessful candidates. This is expected to cause delays in the issuance of final permits. License for several months.
Copyright 2025 Health News Florida
