NewsFlorida PoliticsMay 2, 2026Florida
Florida Lawmakers Move to License Naturopathic Doctors
The Florida Legislature has passed a bill to re-establish state licensing for naturopathic doctors after a 60-year hiatus. The legislation creates a regulatory board under the Department of Health but prohibits these practitioners from performing surgery, prescribing drugs, or using anesthesia.
Read the full story at Florida PoliticsWhy It Matters
If signed into law, the bill will create a new class of licensed healthcare providers in Florida starting December 31, allowing them to practice under state oversight while restricting their ability to perform certain medical procedures.
Key Facts
- The bill creates a state board of Naturopathic Medicine to assist the Department of Health in oversight.
- Naturopathic doctors are prohibited from prescribing drugs, performing surgery, or using anesthesia.
- Chiropractic care and acupuncture are barred unless the practitioner holds separate licenses in those fields.
- The bill reduces the penalty for practicing naturopathy without a license from a felony to a second-degree misdemeanor.
- The law is scheduled to take effect on December 31.
- The bill passed the Senate 33-3 and the House 85-22.
- Florida last licensed naturopaths in 1927 and abolished the practice in 1959.
- There are currently no licensed naturopathic physicians in Florida.
- Twenty-four other states currently allow the licensing of naturopaths.
- Naturopathic education requires a four-year program accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education.
Who's Mentioned
personTodd Robinson“Naturopathic doctor and founder of Wellness Working Group.”personAna Maria Rodriguez“State Senator and sponsor of the bill.”organizationDepartment of Health“State agency that will oversee the new board.”personColleen Burton“State Senator who supports the bill as a way to provide healthcare choices.”personRobert Geldner“The last licensed naturopathic doctor in Florida, who died in 2010.”personTeegan Fiedler“Practitioner at North Florida Naturopathic.”personSarah Fiedler“Practitioner at North Florida Naturopathic.”personJann Bellamy“Tallahassee lawyer who opposes the bill due to concerns over scientific evidence”organizationCouncil on Naturopathic Medical Education“Accrediting body for naturopathic schools.”personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who has not yet received the bill.”personPhuong Thach“Acupuncturist in Pensacola who supports the bill.”personRalph Massullo Jr.“State Senator who expressed concern about patient safety.”