Celebrating 2026 Florida Legislative Wins

During the 2026 Florida Legislative Session, the American Heart Association worked to advance policies that improve health and well-being across the state. The Association secured meaningful wins for maternal health, tobacco prevention, smoke-free air, and access to care that will benefit Floridians for years to come.

Expanding Access to Maternal Health Resources

One of the session’s most significant achievements was securing Medicaid coverage for self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring devices for pregnant and postpartum women diagnosed with or at risk of hypertension.

Included in the state budget through SB 736/HB 781, this landmark investment expands access to home blood pressure monitors and cuffs, helping women manage their health between medical appointments and monitor hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The investment supports better maternal and cardiovascular health outcomes across Florida.

Protecting Tobacco Prevention and Smoke-Free Air

In an effort to reduce tobacco use and nicotine addiction, the American Heart Association successfully opposed HB 377/SB 754, legislation related to heated tobacco products that would have weakened Florida’s tobacco prevention policies.

To protect Floridians from exposure to secondhand smoke, the Association also helped defeat HB 389, which would have created new exemptions to Florida’s Clean Indoor Air Act by allowing smoking of certain unfiltered cigars in indoor workplaces.

Protecting Access to Health Care

The Association also successfully opposed SB 1758/HB 1453, legislation that could have created barriers to Medicaid coverage for eligible Floridians by requiring recipients to meet work requirements as a condition of eligibility.

By preventing these barriers from becoming law, the Association helped protect access to preventive care and treatment for chronic conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Thank You

These legislative victories would not have been possible without the dedication of Heart Powered advocates, coalition partners, and legislative champions across Florida. Through advocacy, relationship building, and the sharing of personal stories, they helped advance policies that will improve health and strengthen communities throughout the state.