TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – It was expected to come back, and it did. The state Legislature is once again facing a controversial bill that sparked intense debate during the last legislative session.
House Bill 6003 aims to close what supporters call a fatal legal loophole in wrongful death lawsuits against hospitals.
Session 2024-2025:
This legislative session, state lawmakers overwhelmingly voted in favor of a bill that would allow more families to file medical malpractice wrongful death lawsuits. However, after the Legislature adjourned, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the bill, arguing that it would drive up Florida’s health care costs and reduce access to doctors.
2025-2026 session:
Grieving families returned to the state capitol in Tallahassee to share their stories again as they continue to push for change.
“The truth I learned is that in Florida, if the right person dies, which means the wrong age, the wrong family structure, there is no path to justice,” said Alyssa Crocker of Miami, Florida.
Under current law, people over the age of 25 cannot seek “non-economic” damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit if their parents die. The same applies to parents if the child dies before the age of 25.
Opponents of the bill argue that repeal would only drive doctors out of the state.
“If you want a well-trained, experienced doctor to stay here in Florida and take care of you and your patients, you need to reconsider this,” said Andy Borom, a Tallahassee orthopedic surgeon.
Ultimately, the bill received its first go-ahead during the session, passing in its first committee stop.
But lawmakers hope they can continue this dialogue and find a balance on both sides of the debate.
