Florida 2025 Regular Session Status: Passed House 2 R cosponsors

HB 449 — Optometry

Last action — Died in Rules

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2025 Regular Session. It reached “Passed House” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Optometry; Revises membership requirements for Board of Optometry; revises & provides rules to be implemented by board; revises requirements for administration & prescription of ocular pharmaceutical agents & provisions related to topical & oral ocular pharmaceutical agent formularies established by board; authorizes optometrist certified in ophthalmic procedures to perform certain procedures; requires board to determine required content, grading criteria, & passing score for such examination; authorizes certain procedures certified optometrist may perform; prohibits commercial or mercantile establishment from having any control over manner in which licensee practices optometry; removes provision prohibiting surgery of any kind; authorizes specified titles & abbreviations for certified optometrists; provides requirements for demonstration of financial responsibility as condition of licensure.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

732 added · 697 removed

732 line(s) added, 697 removed.

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F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 A bill to be entitled An act relating to optometry;
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 A bill to be entitled An act relating to optometry;
revising conditions of licensure to Page 1 of 27 CODING:
revising conditions of licensure to Page 1 of 28 CODING:
hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 include the successful completion and passage of a specified course and examination;
hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 include the successful completion and passage of a specified course and examination;
463.0186, F.S.;
providing requirements for advertisements;
providing penalties;
providing that certain licensed persons are fully responsible for the content of all advertisements before publication;
creating s.
providing requirements for the demonstration of financial responsibility as a condition of licensure;
providing requirements for the demonstration of financial responsibility as a term of licensure;
providing applicability;
providing construction;
Section 463.002, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
Section 463.002, Florida Statutes, is amended Page 2 of 28 CODING:
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hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 to read:
(1)(10) "Appendages" means the eyelids, the eyebrows, the conjunctiva, and the lacrimal apparatus.
(1) "Advertisement" and "advertising" means any statements, oral or written, disseminated to or before the public or any portion thereof, with the intent of furthering the purpose, either directly or indirectly, of selling professional services or ophthalmic goods, offering to perform professional services, or inducing members of the public to enter into any obligation relating to such professional services.
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(2)(10) "Appendages" means the eyelids, the eyebrows, the conjunctiva, and the lacrimal apparatus.
(3)(1) "Board" means the Board of Optometry.
(4) "Certified optometrist" or "certified optometric physician" means a licensed practitioner authorized by the board to administer and prescribe ocular pharmaceutical agents.
(5)(12) "Clock hours" means the actual time engaged in approved coursework and clinical training.
(6)(2) "Department" means the Department of Health.
(7)(8) "Direct supervision" means supervision to an extent that the licensee remains on the premises while all procedures are being done and gives final approval to any procedures performed by an employee.
(8)(9) "General supervision" means the responsible supervision of supportive personnel by a licensee who need not be present when such procedures are performed, but who assumes Page 3 of 28 CODING:
hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 (2)(1) "Board" means the Board of Optometry.
hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 legal liability therefor.
(3)(4) "Certified optometrist" or "certified optometric physician" means a licensed practitioner authorized by the board to administer and prescribe ocular pharmaceutical agents.
(4)(12) "Clock hours" means the actual time engaged in approved coursework and clinical training.
(5)(2) "Department" means the Department of Health.
(6)(8) "Direct supervision" means supervision to an extent that the licensee remains on the premises while all procedures are being done and gives final approval to any procedures performed by an employee.
(7)(9) "General supervision" means the responsible supervision of supportive personnel by a licensee who need not be present when such procedures are performed, but who assumes legal liability therefor.
(8)(3)(a) "Licensed practitioner" means a person who is a primary health care provider licensed to engage in the practice of optometry under the authority of this chapter.
(9)(3)(a) "Licensed practitioner" means a person who is a primary health care provider licensed to engage in the practice of optometry under the authority of this chapter.
(b) A licensed practitioner who is not a certified optometrist shall be required to display at her or his place of Page 3 of 27 CODING:
(b) A licensed practitioner who is not a certified optometrist shall be required to display at her or his place of practice a sign which states, "I am a Licensed Practitioner, not a Certified Optometrist, and I am not able to prescribe ocular pharmaceutical agents." (c) All practitioners initially licensed after July 1, 1993, must be certified optometrists.
Words stricken are deletions;
(10)(5) "Ocular pharmaceutical agent" means a pharmaceutical agent that is administered or prescribed topically or orally for the diagnosis or treatment of ocular conditions of the human eye and its appendages without the use of surgery or other invasive techniques.
words underlined are additions.
(11) "Optometrist certified in ophthalmic procedures" means a certified optometrist who may perform board-approved laser and non-laser ophthalmic procedures and therapies under s.
hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 practice a sign which states, "I am a Licensed Practitioner, not a Certified Optometrist, and I am not able to prescribe ocular pharmaceutical agents." (c) All practitioners initially licensed after July 1, 1993, must be certified optometrists.
(9)(5) "Ocular pharmaceutical agent" means a pharmaceutical agent that is administered or prescribed topically or orally for the diagnosis or treatment of ocular conditions of the human eye and its appendages without the use of surgery or other invasive techniques.
(10) "Optometrist certified in ophthalmic procedures" means a certified optometrist who may perform board-approved laser and non-laser ophthalmic procedures and therapies under s.
(11)(7) "Optometry" means the diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and management of conditions of the human eye and its appendages, including any visual, muscular, neurological, or anatomical anomalies and chronic systemic conditions relating to the eye and its appendages;
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the determination of the refractive powers of the human eyes;
and the prescribing and employment of any objective or subjective means or methods, including the administration of ocular pharmaceutical agents, contact lenses, spectacle lenses, magnification lenses, orthoptic exercises, vison therapy, low vision rehabilitation devices, electromagnetic waves, pulsating light and light frequencies, Page 4 of 27 CODING:
hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 ophthalmic procedures and therapies, and neuro-optometric rehabilitative therapy for the diagnosis, evaluation, correction, remedy, treatment, management, or relief of any insufficiency, anomaly, abnormality, or disease condition relating to the human eye or its appendages.
hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 (12)(7) "Optometry" means the diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and management of conditions of the human eye and its appendages, including any visual, muscular, neurological, or anatomical anomalies and chronic systemic conditions relating to the eye and its appendages;
the determination of the refractive powers of the human eyes;
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and the prescribing and employment of any objective or subjective means or methods, including the administration of ocular pharmaceutical agents, contact lenses, spectacle lenses, magnification lenses, orthoptic exercises, vison therapy, low vision rehabilitation devices, electromagnetic waves, pulsating light and light frequencies, ophthalmic procedures and therapies, and neuro-optometric rehabilitative therapy for the diagnosis, evaluation, correction, remedy, treatment, management, or relief of any insufficiency, anomaly, abnormality, or disease condition relating to the human eye or its appendages.
and the prescribing and employment of lenses, prisms, frames, mountings, contact lenses, orthoptic exercises, light frequencies, and any other means or methods, including ocular pharmaceutical agents, for the correction, remedy, or relief of any insufficiencies or abnormal conditions of the human eyes and their appendages.
and the prescribing and employment of lenses, prisms, frames, mountings, contact lenses, Page 5 of 28 CODING:
(12) "Refraction" means the use of lenses and ocular pharmaceutical agents during the course of a comprehensive medical eye examination to determine a patient's visual, neurological, and physical requirements to attain optimal visual and perceptual performance.
(13)(6) "Surgery" means a procedure using an instrument, including a laser, scalpel, or needle, in which human tissue is Page 5 of 27 CODING:
hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 cut, burned, scraped, except as provided in s.
hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 orthoptic exercises, light frequencies, and any other means or methods, including ocular pharmaceutical agents, for the correction, remedy, or relief of any insufficiencies or abnormal conditions of the human eyes and their appendages.
(13) "Refraction" means the use of lenses and ocular pharmaceutical agents during the course of a comprehensive medical eye examination to determine a patient's visual, neurological, and physical requirements to attain optimal visual and perceptual performance.
(14)(6) "Surgery" means a procedure using an instrument, including a laser, scalpel, or needle, in which human tissue is cut, burned, scraped, except as provided in s.
(14)(11) "Transcript-quality" means a live and in-person course which is in conjunction with or sponsored by a school or college of optometry or equivalent educational entity, which course is approved by the board and requires a test and passing grade.
(15)(11) "Transcript-quality" means a live and in-person course which is in conjunction with or sponsored by a school or college of optometry or equivalent educational entity, which course is approved by the board and requires a test and passing grade.
463.003 Board of Optometry.— (2) Five members of the board must be certified optometrists or optometrists certified in ophthalmic procedures licensed practitioners actively practicing in this state.
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The remaining two members must be citizens of the state who are not, and have never been, licensed practitioners and who are in no way connected with the practice of optometry or with any vision- oriented profession or business.
At least one member of the board must be 60 years of age or older.
(4) All applicable provisions of chapter 456 relating to activities of regulatory boards that do not conflict with this Page 6 of 27 CODING:
hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 chapter shall apply.
hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 463.003 Board of Optometry.— (2) Five members of the board must be certified optometrists or optometrists certified in ophthalmic procedures licensed practitioners actively practicing in this state.
The remaining two members must be citizens of the state who are not, and have never been, licensed practitioners and who are in no way connected with the practice of optometry or with any vision- oriented profession or business.
At least one member of the board must be 60 years of age or older.
(4) All applicable provisions of chapter 456 relating to activities of regulatory boards that do not conflict with this chapter shall apply.
(b) Minimum equipment that a certified optometrist, an optometrist certified in ophthalmic procedures, or which a licensed practitioner must shall at all times possess to lawfully engage in the practice of optometry.
(b) Minimum equipment that a certified optometrist, an optometrist certified in ophthalmic procedures, or which a licensed practitioner must shall at all times possess to Page 7 of 28 CODING:
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hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 lawfully engage in the practice of optometry.
(h) Laser and non-laser ophthalmic procedures and Page 7 of 27 CODING:
(h) Laser and non-laser ophthalmic procedures and therapies an optometrist certified in ophthalmic procedures may perform, including, but not limited to, the standards of practice for such ophthalmic procedures and therapies.
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hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 therapies an optometrist certified in ophthalmic procedures may perform, including, but not limited to, the standards of practice for such ophthalmic procedures and therapies.
(m) Standards for the use of telehealth by providers licensed under this section and providers registered under s.
(m) Standards for the use of telehealth by providers Page 8 of 28 CODING:
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hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 licensed under this section and providers registered under s.
456.47(4), the board may not approve any applicant for out-of-state telehealth registration who does not hold a license issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States that is Page 8 of 27 CODING:
456.47(4), the board may not approve any applicant for out-of-state telehealth registration who does not hold a license issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States that is substantially similar to a license held by a certified optometrist under this chapter.
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hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 substantially similar to a license held by a certified optometrist under this chapter.
However, a licensed practitioner who is not certified may use topically applied anesthetics solely for the purpose of glaucoma examinations, but is otherwise prohibited from administering or prescribing ocular pharmaceutical agents.
However, a licensed practitioner who is not certified may use topically applied anesthetics solely for the Page 9 of 28 CODING:
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hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 purpose of glaucoma examinations, but is otherwise prohibited from administering or prescribing ocular pharmaceutical agents.
The course and Page 9 of 27 CODING:
The course and examination shall be developed and offered jointly by a statewide professional association of physicians in this state accredited to provide educational activities designated for the American Medical Association Physician's Recognition Award (AMA PRA) Category 1 credit and a statewide professional association of licensed practitioners which provides board-approved continuing education on an annual basis.
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words underlined are additions.
hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 examination shall be developed and offered jointly by a statewide professional association of physicians in this state accredited to provide educational activities designated for the American Medical Association Physician's Recognition Award (AMA PRA) Category 1 credit and a statewide professional association of licensed practitioners which provides board-approved continuing education on an annual basis.
Successful completion of the board- approved course and examination may be used by a certified optometrist to satisfy 20 hours of the continuing education requirements in s.
Successful completion of the board- Page 10 of 28 CODING:
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hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 approved course and examination may be used by a certified optometrist to satisfy 20 hours of the continuing education requirements in s.
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(2)(a) The board shall establish a negative formulary of topical ocular pharmaceutical agents that may not be prescribed or and administered by a certified optometrist.
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words underlined are additions.
hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 (2)(a) The board shall establish a negative formulary of topical ocular pharmaceutical agents that may not be prescribed or and administered by a certified optometrist.
Any person who requests an addition, deletion, or modification of an authorized topical ocular pharmaceutical agent shall have the burden of proof to show cause why such addition, deletion, or modification should be made.
Any person who requests an addition, deletion, or modification Page 11 of 28 CODING:
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hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 of an authorized topical ocular pharmaceutical agent shall have the burden of proof to show cause why such addition, deletion, or modification should be made.
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2.
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hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 2.
(3) In addition to the formulary of topical ocular pharmaceutical agents established by rule of the board, there is created a statutory formulary of oral ocular pharmaceutical agents, which includes the following agents:
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hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 (3) In addition to the formulary of topical ocular pharmaceutical agents established by rule of the board, there is created a statutory formulary of oral ocular pharmaceutical agents, which includes the following agents:
3 codeine phosphate 30 Page 12 of 27 CODING:
3 codeine phosphate 30 mg.
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hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 mg.
3.
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hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 3.
Any oral ocular pharmaceutical agent that is listed in the statutory formulary set forth in this subsection and that is subsequently determined by the United States Food and Drug Administration to be unsafe for administration or prescription Page 13 of 27 CODING:
Any oral ocular pharmaceutical agent that is listed in the statutory formulary set forth in this subsection and that is subsequently determined by the United States Food and Drug Administration to be unsafe for administration or prescription shall be considered to have been deleted from the formulary of oral ocular pharmaceutical agents.
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hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 shall be considered to have been deleted from the formulary of oral ocular pharmaceutical agents.
893.03, except for an oral analgesic placed on the formulary pursuant to this section for the relief of pain due to ocular conditions of the eye and its appendages;
893.03, except for an oral analgesic placed on the formulary pursuant to this section for Page 14 of 28 CODING:
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hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 the relief of pain due to ocular conditions of the eye and its appendages;
463.0056 Ophthalmic procedures and therapies.— (1)(a) An optometrist certified in ophthalmic procedures may perform laser and non-laser ophthalmic procedures and therapies as authorized by the board but may not perform an ophthalmic procedure or therapy that requires preoperative Page 14 of 27 CODING:
463.0056 Ophthalmic procedures and therapies.— (1)(a) An optometrist certified in ophthalmic procedures may perform laser and non-laser ophthalmic procedures and therapies as authorized by the board but may not perform an ophthalmic procedure or therapy that requires preoperative medications or drug-induced alteration of consciousness.
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hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 medications or drug-induced alteration of consciousness.
The course and examination shall be developed and offered jointly by a statewide professional association of physicians in this state accredited to provide educational activities designated for the American Medical Association Physician's Recognition Award Category 1 credit and a statewide professional association of licensed practitioners which provides board-approved continuing education on an annual basis.
The course and examination shall be developed and offered jointly by a statewide professional association of physicians in this state accredited to provide educational activities designated for the American Medical Association Physician's Recognition Award Category 1 credit and Page 15 of 28 CODING:
The board shall review and approve the content of the initial course and examination if the board determines that the course and examination adequately and reliably satisfy the criteria provided in this section.
The board shall thereafter annually review and approve the examination if the board determines that the content continues to adequately and reliably satisfy the criteria provided in this section.
Successful completion of the board-approved course and examination may be used by a certified optometrist to satisfy the continuing Page 15 of 27 CODING:
hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 education requirements in s.
hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 a statewide professional association of licensed practitioners which provides board-approved continuing education on an annual basis.
The board shall review and approve the content of the initial course and examination if the board determines that the course and examination adequately and reliably satisfy the criteria provided in this section.
The board shall thereafter annually review and approve the examination if the board determines that the content continues to adequately and reliably satisfy the criteria provided in this section.
Successful completion of the board-approved course and examination may be used by a certified optometrist to satisfy the continuing education requirements in s.
(c) Surgery of the eyelid for suspected eyelid malignancies or for incisional cosmetic or mechanical repair of blepharochalasis, ptosis, or tarsorrhaphy.
(c) Surgery of the eyelid for suspected eyelid Page 16 of 28 CODING:
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hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 malignancies or for incisional cosmetic or mechanical repair of blepharochalasis, ptosis, or tarsorrhaphy.
(g) Surgery requiring incision or excision by scalpel of Page 16 of 27 CODING:
(g) Surgery requiring incision or excision by scalpel of the iris and ciliary body, including, but not limited to, iris diathermy or cryotherapy.
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hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 the iris and ciliary body, including, but not limited to, iris diathermy or cryotherapy.
Section 463.006, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
Section 463.006, Florida Statutes, is amended Page 17 of 28 CODING:
463.006 Licensure and certification by examination.— (1) Any person desiring to be a certified optometrist under licensed practitioner pursuant to this chapter must apply to the department, submit to background screening in accordance with s.
456.0135, and must submit proof to the department that she or he meets all of the following criteria:
(a) Has completed the application forms as required by the board, remitted an application fee for certification not to exceed $250, remitted an examination fee for certification not to exceed $250, and remitted an examination fee for licensure Page 17 of 27 CODING:
hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 not to exceed $325, all as set by the board.
hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 to read:
463.006 Licensure and certification by examination.— (1) Any person desiring to be a certified optometrist under licensed practitioner pursuant to this chapter must apply to the department, submit to background screening in accordance with s.
456.0135, and must submit proof to the department that she or he meets all of the following criteria:
(a) Has completed the application forms as required by the board, remitted an application fee for certification not to exceed $250, remitted an examination fee for certification not to exceed $250, and remitted an examination fee for licensure not to exceed $325, all as set by the board.
Is accredited by a regional or professional accrediting organization that is recognized and approved by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation or the United States Department of Education.
Is accredited by a regional or professional accrediting organization that is recognized and approved by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation or the United Page 18 of 28 CODING:
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hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 States Department of Education.
(2) The board shall approve a licensure examination consisting of the appropriate subjects and including applicable state laws and rules and general and ocular pharmacology with emphasis on the use and side effects of ocular pharmaceutical Page 18 of 27 CODING:
(2) The board shall approve a licensure examination consisting of the appropriate subjects and including applicable state laws and rules and general and ocular pharmacology with emphasis on the use and side effects of ocular pharmaceutical agents.
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hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 agents.
(3) Each applicant who submits proof satisfactory to the board that he or she has met the requirements of subsection (1), who successfully passes the licensure examination within 3 years before the date of application or within 3 years after the submission of an application, and who otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter is entitled to be licensed as a certified optometrist practitioner and to be certified to administer and prescribe ocular pharmaceutical agents in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular conditions.
(3) Each applicant who submits proof satisfactory to the board that he or she has met the requirements of subsection (1), who successfully passes the licensure examination within 3 years before the date of application or within 3 years after the submission of an application, and who otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter is entitled to be licensed as a certified optometrist practitioner and to be certified to administer and prescribe ocular pharmaceutical agents in the Page 19 of 28 CODING:
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hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 diagnosis and treatment of ocular conditions.
463.0055(1)(b) is required as a condition of licensure renewal for any certified optometrist who has not already successfully Page 19 of 27 CODING:
463.0055(1)(b) is required as a condition of licensure renewal for any certified optometrist who has not already successfully completed the course and passed the examination.
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hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 completed the course and passed the examination.
463.002, including, but not limited to, removing an eyelash, removal of eyelid skin tags, removal of styes, ophthalmic procedures as defined and approved by the board, probing an uninflamed tear duct in a patient 18 years of age or older, blocking the puncta, or superficial scraping for the purpose of removing damaged epithelial tissue or superficial foreign bodies or taking a culture of the surface of the cornea or conjunctiva.
463.002, including, but not limited to, removing an eyelash, removal of eyelid skin tags, removal of styes, ophthalmic procedures as defined and approved by the board, probing an Page 20 of 28 CODING:
(13) A licensed practitioner who is not a certified optometrist is required to display at her or his place of practice a sign that states, "I am a Licensed Practitioner, not a Certified Optometrist, and I am not able to prescribe ocular pharmaceutical agents or perform ophthalmic procedures." Section 9.
Subsections (1), (4), and (5) of section 463.014, Florida Statutes, are amended, to read:
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hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 463.014 Certain acts prohibited.— (1)(a) A No corporation, lay body, organization, or individual other than a licensed practitioner may not shall engage in the practice of optometry through the means of engaging the services, upon a salary, commission, or other means or inducement, of any person licensed to practice optometry in this state.
hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 uninflamed tear duct in a patient 18 years of age or older, blocking the puncta, or superficial scraping for the purpose of removing damaged epithelial tissue or superficial foreign bodies or taking a culture of the surface of the cornea or conjunctiva.
(13) A licensed practitioner who is not a certified optometrist is required to display at her or his place of practice a sign that states, "I am a Licensed Practitioner, not a Certified Optometrist, and I am not able to prescribe ocular pharmaceutical agents or perform ophthalmic procedures." Section 9.
Subsections (1), (4), and (5) of section 463.014, Florida Statutes, are amended, to read:
463.014 Certain acts prohibited.— (1)(a) A No corporation, lay body, organization, or individual other than a licensed practitioner may not shall engage in the practice of optometry through the means of engaging the services, upon a salary, commission, or other means or inducement, of any person licensed to practice optometry in this state.
This paragraph does provision shall not prohibit licensed practitioners from employing, or from forming partnerships or professional associations with, licensed practitioners licensed in this state or with other licensed health care professionals, the primary objective of whom is the diagnosis and treatment of the human body.
This paragraph does provision shall not Page 21 of 28 CODING:
(c) A No rule of the board may not shall forbid the practice of optometry in or on the premises of a commercial or mercantile establishment.
Notwithstanding this paragraph, a commercial or mercantile establishment or other such entity may not have any control over the manner in which a licensee under this chapter practices optometry.
Any violation of this Page 21 of 27 CODING:
hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 paragraph will be deemed as unlicensed practice of optometry as specified in s.
hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 prohibit licensed practitioners from employing, or from forming partnerships or professional associations with, licensed practitioners licensed in this state or with other licensed health care professionals, the primary objective of whom is the diagnosis and treatment of the human body.
(c) A No rule of the board may not shall forbid the practice of optometry in or on the premises of a commercial or mercantile establishment.
Notwithstanding this paragraph, a commercial or mercantile establishment or other such entity may not have any control over the manner in which a licensee under this chapter practices optometry.
Any violation of this paragraph will be deemed as unlicensed practice of optometry as specified in s.
(e) A No licensed practitioner may not shall adopt and publish or cause to be published any practice identification name, trade name, or service name which is, contains, or is intended to serve as an affirmation of the quality or competitive value of the optometric services provided at the identified practice.
Page 22 of 28 CODING:
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 (e) A No licensed practitioner may not shall adopt and publish or cause to be published any practice identification name, trade name, or service name which is, contains, or is intended to serve as an affirmation of the quality or competitive value of the optometric services provided at the identified practice.
Page 22 of 27 CODING:
Notwithstanding the definition of surgery as provided in s.
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 Notwithstanding the definition of surgery as provided in s.
Section 463.009, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
Section 463.009, Florida Statutes, is amended Page 23 of 28 CODING:
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 to read:
Nonlicensed personnel, who need not be employees of the licensed practitioner, may perform ministerial duties, tasks, and functions assigned to Page 23 of 27 CODING:
Nonlicensed personnel, who need not be employees of the licensed practitioner, may perform ministerial duties, tasks, and functions assigned to them by and performed under the general supervision of a licensed practitioner, including obtaining information from consumers for the purpose of making appointments for the licensed practitioner.
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 them by and performed under the general supervision of a licensed practitioner, including obtaining information from consumers for the purpose of making appointments for the licensed practitioner.
463.0185 Certified optometrist titles and abbreviations.— An optometrist licensed under chapter 463 may use the following titles and abbreviations as applicable to his or her license and certification, including "optometrist," "licensed optometrist," "Doctor of Optometry," "O.D.," "optometric physician," "board certified optometrist," "board certified optometric physician," "American Board of Optometry (ABO) certified," "Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry," "Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development," "Residency-trained," "Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry," or other titles or abbreviations authorized under his or her practice act.
463.0185 Certified optometrist titles and abbreviations.— An optometrist licensed under chapter 463 may use the following titles and abbreviations as applicable to his or her license and certification, including "optometrist," "licensed optometrist," "Doctor of Optometry," "O.D.," "optometric physician," "board certified optometrist," "board certified optometric physician," Page 24 of 28 CODING:
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 "American Board of Optometry (ABO) certified," "Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry," "Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development," "Residency-trained," "Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry," or other titles or abbreviations authorized under his or her practice act.
Section 463.0187, Florida Statutes, is created to read:
Section 463.0186, Florida Statutes, is created to read:
463.0187 Financial responsibility.— (1) As a condition of licensure and maintaining an active license, and before to the issuance or renewal of an active license or reactivation of an inactive license for the practice Page 24 of 27 CODING:
463.0186 Advertisements.— (1) All advertisements must clearly denote with words or proper abbreviation that the optometrist is engaged in the practice of optometry.
(2) An individual licensed under this chapter may use appropriate terms and titles, as determined by the board, in advertisements to describe certifications and education the licensed individual has successfully achieved.
(3) A person or entity other than an individual licensed under this chapter, or an entity lawfully permitted to employ an individual licensed under this chapter, is not permitted to advertise for optometric services.
Any violation of this section will be deemed the unlicensed practice of optometry as provided in s.
463.015(1)(a).
Individual owners, officers, and directors of an entity in violation of this section will be deemed to have committed the unlicensed practice of optometry.
(4) An individual licensed under this chapter has the duty to review and proof all advertisements before publication, and Page 25 of 28 CODING:
hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 of optometry, an applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board financial responsibility to pay claims and costs ancillary thereto arising out of the rendering of, or the failure to render, optometric care or services, by one of the following methods:
hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 is fully responsible for the content therein.
Section 13.
Section 463.0187, Florida Statutes, is created to read:
463.0187 Financial responsibility.— (1) As a condition of licensure and maintaining an active license, and before to the issuance or renewal of an active license or reactivation of an inactive license for the practice of optometry, an applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board financial responsibility to pay claims and costs ancillary thereto arising out of the rendering of, or the failure to render, optometric care or services, by one of the following methods:
The required coverage amount set forth in this paragraph may not be used for litigation costs or attorney fees for the defense of any malpractice claim;
The required Page 26 of 28 CODING:
or (c) Obtaining and maintaining an unexpired, irrevocable letter of credit, established pursuant to chapter 675, in an amount not less than $100,000 per claim, with a minimum aggregate availability of credit of not less than $300,000.
The Page 25 of 27 CODING:
hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 letter of credit must be payable to the optometrist as beneficiary upon presentment of a final judgment indicating liability and awarding damages to be paid by the optometrist or upon presentment of a settlement agreement signed by all parties to such agreement when such final judgment or settlement is a result of a claim arising out of the rendering of, or the failure to render, optometric care and services.
hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 coverage amount set forth in this paragraph may not be used for litigation costs or attorney fees for the defense of any malpractice claim;
or (c) Obtaining and maintaining an unexpired, irrevocable letter of credit, established pursuant to chapter 675, in an amount not less than $100,000 per claim, with a minimum aggregate availability of credit of not less than $300,000.
The letter of credit must be payable to the optometrist as beneficiary upon presentment of a final judgment indicating liability and awarding damages to be paid by the optometrist or upon presentment of a settlement agreement signed by all parties to such agreement when such final judgment or settlement is a result of a claim arising out of the rendering of, or the failure to render, optometric care and services.
Section 13.
Page 27 of 28 CODING:
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb449-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 449 2025 Section 14.
463.002(7), shall offer to the subscriber the services of an optometrist Page 26 of 27 CODING:
463.002(7), shall offer to the subscriber the services of an optometrist licensed pursuant to chapter 463.
Words stricken are deletions;
Section 15.
words underlined are additions.
hb449-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 449 2025 licensed pursuant to chapter 463.
Section 14.
Page 27 of 27 CODING:
Page 28 of 28 CODING:
hb449-02-c2
hb449-01-c1
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Action History

  1. Died in Rules

  2. Indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration

  3. Received

  4. Referred to Rules

  5. In Messages

  6. CS passed as amended; YEAS 88, NAYS 24

  7. Read 3rd time

  8. Added to Third Reading Calendar

  9. Placed on 3rd reading

  10. Amendment 013801 adopted

  11. Read 2nd time

  12. Bill added to Special Order Calendar (4/24/2025)

  13. Added to Second Reading Calendar

  14. Bill referred to House Calendar

  15. 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 2)

  16. CS Filed

  17. Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)

  18. Reported out of Health & Human Services Committee

  19. Favorable with CS by Health & Human Services Committee

  20. Added to Health & Human Services Committee agenda

  21. Now in Health & Human Services Committee

  22. Referred to Health & Human Services Committee

  23. 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 1)

  24. CS Filed

  25. Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)

  26. Reported out of Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee

  27. Favorable with CS by Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee

  28. Added to Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee agenda

  29. 1st Reading (Original Filed Version)

  30. Now in Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee

  31. Referred to Health & Human Services Committee

  32. Referred to Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee

  33. Filed

Sponsors

  • Webster Barnaby · Cosponsor
  • Alex Rizo · Primary
  • Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee · Primary
  • Health & Human Services Committee · Primary

Sponsorship breakdown

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3 sponsors · 1 co-sponsors · 160 not signed on · 24 voted No

Sponsors (3)

  • Rizo, Alex Republican
  • Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee
  • Health & Human Services Committee

Co-sponsors (1)

Not signed on (160)

160 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 160 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Passage, Third Reading

Passed 88 Yea · 24 Nay · 7 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 671103
Democrat 161304
Unaffiliated 5000
Total 882407
% of votes cast 74%20%0%6%
How each member voted (119)
Member Party Vote
Caruso — Yea
Casello — Yea
Temple — Yea
Tomkow — Yea
Lopez, V. — Yea
Alvarez, Jose Democrat Nay
Antone, Bruce Hadley Democrat Yea
Aristide, Wallace Democrat Nay
Bartleman, Robin Democrat Yea
Bracy Davis, LaVon Democrat Not Voting
Campbell, Daryl Democrat Not Voting
Chambliss, Kevin D. Democrat Yea
Cross, Lindsay Democrat Nay
Daley, Dan Democrat Not Voting
Daniels, Kimberly Democrat Yea
Driskell, Fentrice Democrat Nay
Dunkley, Lisa Democrat Nay
Edmonds, Jervonte "Tae" Democrat Yea
Eskamani, Dr. Anna V. Democrat Yea
Franklin II, Gallop Democrat Yea
Gantt, Ashley Viola Democrat Yea
Gottlieb, Michael "Mike" Democrat Nay
Harris, Jennifer "Rita" Democrat Yea
Hart-Lowman, Dianne "Ms Dee" Democrat Yea
Hinson, Yvonne Hayes Democrat Nay
Hunschofsky, Christine Democrat Nay
Joseph, Dotie Democrat Yea
López, Johanna Democrat Yea
Nixon, Angela "Angie" Democrat Yea
Rayner, Michele K. Democrat Yea
Robinson, Felicia Simone Democrat Nay
Rosenwald, Mitch Democrat Nay
Skidmore, Kelly Democrat Nay
Smith, Carlos Guillermo Democrat Nay
Spencer, Leonard Democrat Nay
Tant, Allison Democrat Not Voting
Tendrich, Debra Democrat Yea
Woodson, Marie Paule Democrat Yea
Abbott, Shane G. Republican Yea
Albert, Jon Republican Yea
Alvarez, Daniel Antonio "Danny" Republican Yea
Anderson, Adam Republican Not Voting
Andrade, Robert Alexander "Alex" Republican Yea
Baker, Jessica Republican Not Voting
Bankson, Douglas Michael "Doug" Republican Yea
Barnaby, Webster Republican Yea
Basabe, Fabián Republican Yea
Benarroch, Yvette Republican Nay
Berfield, Kimberly Republican Nay
Black, Dean Republican Nay
Blanco, Omar Republican Yea
Booth, Erika Republican Yea
Borrero, David Republican Yea
Botana, Adam Republican Yea
Brackett, Robert A. "Robbie" Republican Nay
Brannan III, Robert Charles "Chuck" Republican Yea
Buchanan, James Republican Yea
Busatta, Demi Republican Yea
Canady, Jennifer Republican Yea
Cassel, Hillary Republican Yea
Chamberlin, Ryan Republican Yea
Chaney, Linda Republican Yea
Cobb, Nan Republican Yea
Conerly, William "Bill" Republican Yea
Duggan, Wyman Republican Yea
Esposito, Tiffany Republican Yea
Fabricio, Tom Republican Yea
Garrison, Sam Republican Yea
Gentry, Richard Republican Nay
Gerwig, Anne Republican Yea
Giallombardo, Mike Republican Yea
Gonzalez Pittman, Karen Republican Nay
Gossett-Seidman, Peggy Republican Yea
Greco, Sam Republican Nay
Griffitts Jr., Philip Wayne "Griff" Republican Yea
Grow, J.J. Republican Yea
Holcomb, Jeff Republican Not Voting
Jacques, Berny Republican Yea
Johnson, Chad Republican Yea
Kendall, Kim Republican Yea
Kincart Jonsson, Jennifer Republican Nay
Koster, Traci Republican Yea
LaMarca, Chip Republican Yea
Maggard, Randall Scott "Randy" Republican Yea
Maney, Patt Republican Nay
Mayfield, Debbie Republican Yea
McClure, Lawrence Republican Yea
McFarland, Fiona Republican Yea
Melo, Lauren Republican Yea
Michael, Kiyan Republican Nay
Miller, Monique Republican Yea
Mooney Jr., James Vernon "Jim" Republican Yea
Nix Jr., Danny Republican Yea
Oliver, Vanessa Republican Nay
Overdorf, Tobin Rogers "Toby" Republican Yea
Owen, Michael Republican Yea
Partington, Bill Republican Yea
Perez, Daniel Republican Yea
Persons-Mulicka, Jenna Republican Yea
Plakon, Rachel Saunders Republican Yea
Plasencia, Susan Republican Yea
Porras, Juan Carlos Republican Yea
Redondo, Mike Republican Yea
Rizo, Alex Republican Yea
Robinson Jr., William Cloud "Will" Republican Yea
Salzman, Michelle Republican Yea
Sapp, Judson Republican Yea
Shoaf, Jason Republican Yea
Sirois, Tyler I. Republican Yea
Snyder, John Republican Yea
Stark, Paula A. Republican Yea
Steele, Kevin M. Republican Yea
Trabulsy, Dana Republican Yea
Tramont, Chase Republican Yea
Tuck, Kaylee Republican Yea
Valdés, Susan L. Republican Yea
Weinberger, Meg Republican Yea
Yarkosky, Taylor Michael Republican Yea
Yeager, Bradford Troy "Brad" Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

healthcare
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Frequently asked questions

What does HB 449 do?
Optometry; Revises membership requirements for Board of Optometry; revises & provides rules to be implemented by board; revises requirements for administration & prescription of ocular pharmaceutical agents & provisions related to topical & oral ocular pharmaceutical agent formularies established by board; authorizes optometrist certified in ophthalmic procedures to perform certain procedures; requires board to determine required content, grading criteria, & passing score for such examination; authorizes certain procedures certified optometrist may perform; prohibits commercial or mercantile establishment from having any control over manner in which licensee practices optometry; removes provision prohibiting surgery of any kind; authorizes specified titles & abbreviations for certified optometrists; provides requirements for demonstration of financial responsibility as condition of licensure.
Who sponsors HB 449?
HB 449 is sponsored by Barnaby, Webster (Republican), Rizo, Alex (Republican), Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee, and Health & Human Services Committee.
What is the current status of HB 449?
This bill died with 2025 Regular Session. It reached “Passed House” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HB 449?
Track HB 449 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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