Creating a Healthier Florida: The American Heart Association’s 2026-2027 Public Policy Agenda

Every Florida student deserves access to nutritious school meals. Schools should have the resources they need to prepare students to respond to a cardiac emergency. Floridians also deserve access to healthcare, smoke-free air, and communities that support safe walking and biking.

These outcomes don’t happen by chance. They are shaped by the policies and investments made in our schools, communities, and government.

Our 2026-2027 Florida State and Community Public Policy Agenda focuses on evidence-based solutions to improve health, prevent disease, and save lives. We are working to build a future where every Floridian has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life.

CPR in Schools Implementation Funding

Every minute counts during a cardiac emergency. We are advocating for funding to help schools implement Florida’s Cardiac Emergencies law (HB 1607). and provide students with hands-on CPR training. This will help prepare the next generation to respond when a cardiac emergency occurs.

Tobacco Prevention, Cessation & Clean Air

Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable death and contributes to heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other serious health conditions. We are working to protect Florida’s Clean Indoor Air Act and expand access to tobacco cessation treatments through Medicaid. Together, these efforts can help prevent addiction, support those trying to quit, and improve health outcomes across Florida.

Healthy School Meals

Healthy habits start early. That’s why we support efforts to improve the nutritional quality of school meals by reducing ultra-processed foods and increasing access to healthier options. Improving what students eat at school can help support healthy growth and development while reducing the risk of chronic disease over time.

Medicaid

Access to healthcare is essential for preventing and managing heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions. We support policies that expand coverage, reduce coverage gaps, and remove barriers to Medicaid enrollment and retention. This helps more Floridians get the care they need to live healthier lives.

Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations play a critical role in improving health and serving communities across Florida. We support the Release of IRA Funds Timely (RIFT) Act, which would help ensure charitable organizations receive IRA and retirement-plan bequests in a timely manner. By reducing delays in distributing these gifts, the RIFT Act would help nonprofits put charitable resources to work more quickly in support of their missions and the communities they serve.

Community Priorities

In addition to our statewide policy agenda, we are advancing local initiatives that support healthier communities across Florida.

Complete Streets: In St. Petersburg, we are supporting Complete Streets policies that prioritize the safety of all road users, including people who walk, bike, roll, and use public transit. These approaches help create communities where physical activity is safer, easier, and part of everyday life.

Tobacco Zoning: In Jacksonville, we are supporting tobacco retailer zoning policies that help reduce youth exposure to tobacco products and marketing. Limiting the concentration and location of tobacco retailers is one strategy communities can use to protect public health and reduce tobacco-related harm.

Moving Florida Forward

Creating a healthier Florida requires more than good policy ideas. It takes people coming together to share their experiences, advocate for change, and help create healthier communities.

Through Heart Powered, our grassroots advocacy network, Floridians can take action on the issues that matter most to heart and brain health. Whether you’re new to advocacy or a longtime advocate, there’s a place for you to get involved.

Together, we can create a healthier future for Florida. Watch for Heart Powered alerts to learn how you can help advance these priorities.

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