Florida Voters Draw the Line on School Vaccine Mandates

New poll shows Florida voters draw the line on school vaccine mandates

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Key takeaways

79% of likely 2026 voters support keeping Florida’s school vaccine requirements.
65% oppose eliminating vaccine requirements for school-age children.
74% are concerned about outbreaks if requirements are weakened.
Public support remains high for individual vaccines: polio 85%, MMR 83%, varicella 81%, TDAP 80%, hepatitis B 72%.
66% say they would be less likely to support a legislator who votes to eliminate school vaccine requirements.

Overview

The poll, conducted Jan 5-8 by McLaughlin & Associates, surveyed 1,000 likely November 2026 voters using landlines, cellphones and text-to-online methods. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 percentage points. The results arrive as lawmakers prepare to consider sweeping changes to childhood immunization policy.

Key findings

Across Florida, public opinion is broad and steady on keeping school vaccine requirements in place. The study highlights bipartisan support across regions, party lines and demographics, reinforcing a shared priority for disease prevention and classroom stability.

Legislation context

The Senate Health Policy Committee is set to hear SB 1756, a wide-ranging medical freedom proposal filed by Sen. Clay Yarborough. The bill would prohibit the state health officer from mandating vaccines during public health emergencies, expand religious and conscience-based exemptions for school entry, and require new parental acknowledgment forms before minors receive vaccines. A House companion, HB 917, led by Rep. Jeff Holcomb, includes similar provisions and would also allow pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a prescription and permit spaced-out vaccine schedules.

Public reaction & implications

Advocates argue the poll signals a demand for stability, safety and evidence-based standards, citing that Florida’s existing vaccine requirements have helped keep classrooms open and communities protected. Florida families want stability, safety and clear, evidence-based vaccine standards, said Northe Saunders, president of American Families for Vaccines. Florida’s long-standing vaccine requirements have helped keep classrooms open, child care centers reliable and communities protected.

Pollster Jim McLaughlin of McLaughlin & Associates added, The results show broad, intense and stable support across the electorate.

Poll methodology

The poll surveyed 1,000 likely November 2026 voters using landlines, cellphones and text-to-online methods and carries a margin of error of +/- 3.1%. The study also notes strong endorsements for keeping vaccine requirements among Republicans (71%), independents (84%), and Hispanic voters (78%).

Conclusion

As Florida lawmakers weigh SB 1756 and its companion HB 917, the poll presents a clear signal: a broad, bipartisan preference for maintaining established immunization standards to protect children and communities. Advocates say the findings reinforce the value of consistent, science-based protections in schools and beyond.

Source: https://floridapolitics.com/archives/775350-new-poll-florida-voters-draw-the-line-on-school-vaccine-mandates/