Florida Enacts 2026 Insurance and Healthcare Reforms Enhancing Coverage and Oversight

Florida residents can expect several new laws affecting healthcare, insurance, and animal welfare beginning January 1, 2026. Key healthcare provisions include mandatory full coverage of diagnostic breast exams under state health insurance plans for employees, eliminating co-pays and deductibles for exams such as MRIs and ultrasounds. Additionally, state regulations require healthcare providers who overcharge patients to issue refunds within 30 days or face fines up to $500, aiming to enhance patient financial protections. Insurance claim processes will also see regulatory adjustments. The timeframe for health insurance plans and HMOs to recoup overpaid claims from licensed psychologists is reduced from 30 months to 12 months. This reform aligns psychologists' reimbursement periods with those of other medical providers, streamlining claims management and reducing administrative burdens. The state's group health insurance will extend coverage to include standard fertility preservation services for state employees diagnosed with cancer, addressing potential infertility risks associated with cancer treatments. This measure improves benefit inclusion within state employee health programs. On the animal welfare front, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will launch a publicly accessible database listing individuals convicted of animal cruelty, facilitating adoption agencies' screening processes. Additionally, pet insurance is officially categorized as property insurance, requiring providers to transparently disclose claim payment calculations, medical exam requirements, and provide a window for consumer policy cancellation. Other regulatory updates include deadlines for the posting of condominium and cooperative association meeting records, enhancing community governance transparency. Local government impact fee increases will also face new restrictions, demanding unanimous approval under certain circumstances. These diverse legislative changes reflect Florida's evolving regulatory landscape in insurance and healthcare, emphasizing enhanced consumer protections, streamlined payment and claims processes, and greater transparency for both policyholders and service providers.