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NewsCreative Loafing TampaAugust 3, 2026Hillsborough

Florida Attorney General warns Catholic schools to accept vaccine exemptions if accepting state vouchers

Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a letter to the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops stating that private religious schools receiving state-funded vouchers must honor student vaccine exemptions. The warning asserts that schools accepting public taxpayer funds are subject to state requirements regarding medical exemptions.

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Read the full story at Creative Loafing Tampa

Why It Matters

This action impacts the enrollment policies of Catholic schools participating in Florida's voucher programs and sets a potential legal precedent for how private religious institutions must align with state mandates when accepting public funding.

Key Facts

  • Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a formal letter to the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops on Friday.
  • The Attorney General argues that schools accepting taxpayer-funded vouchers must accept student vaccine exemptions.
  • The argument cites the Catholic Catechism, Pope Leo, and scripture to support the position on exemptions.
  • The warning links the receipt of state-funded school vouchers to compliance with state-mandated vaccine exemption policies.

Who's Mentioned

organizationFlorida Conference of Catholic Bishops“Recipient of the warning letter”organizationCreative Loafing Tampa“Publisher of the news article”personJames Uthmeier“Florida Attorney General”