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NewsNorth Port SunAugust 2, 2026Sarasota County

Attorney General James Uthmeier warns Catholic schools to accept vaccine exemptions for voucher-funded students

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued a warning to the Roman Catholic Church, stating that private schools accepting state-funded vouchers must honor student vaccine exemptions. The position links the receipt of public education funding to the requirement that schools comply with state-level vaccine exemption policies.

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Why It Matters

This policy stance impacts the operational requirements for private religious schools in Florida that participate in state voucher programs, potentially affecting their admissions policies regarding student vaccinations.

Key Facts

  • Attorney General James Uthmeier stated that schools accepting taxpayer-funded vouchers should accept vaccine exemptions.
  • The warning specifically targets the Roman Catholic Church's school system in Florida.
  • The policy links the receipt of state voucher funds to the acceptance of student vaccine exemptions.

Who's Mentioned

personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida.”locationFlorida“The state where the policy warning is being applied.”personHenry Mack“Incoming Education Commissioner.”organizationRoman Catholic Church“The religious institution targeted by the Attorney General's warning regarding s”locationDiocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee“Specific diocese referenced in the Attorney General's letter.”organizationFlorida Conference of Catholic Bishops“The organization representing Catholic schools in Florida.”personMichele Taylor“Spokesperson for the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops.”personJames Uthmeier“Florida Attorney General who issued the warning letter.”personMichael Sheedy“Executive Director of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops.”