Legislative Updates

NASW Florida is providing a brief overview of Florida Constitutional Amendment 3. This message informs, educates, and calls on social workers and our allies to VOTE NO on Amendment 3.  What is Amendment 3? Amendment 3 proposes several changes to Florida's property tax system: Increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with the exemption adjusted for inflation beginning in 2029. Reduce the annual assessment cap for non-homestead properties, including rental and commercial properties, from 10% to 5%. Amendment 3 is estimated to reduce recurring annual local g...

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On July 7, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit upheld a federal court's injunction barring Florida from enforcing the higher-education provisions of the Stop W.O.K.E. Act. These provisions restricted what professors at Florida's public colleges and universities could teach in their classrooms, including topics on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The court reaffirmed that academic freedom and the First Amendment protect the open exchange of ideas in our public universities. Many of the restrictions created uncertainty for schools of social work and faculty members attempting to meet CSWE accreditation...

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As NASW-FL continues to advocate for social workers across Florida, we are sharing several important updates following the recent meeting of the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling (491 Board). NASW-FL Public Comments Regarding Licensing Concerns Executive Director Christina Cazanave-McCarthy and Chapter President Michael Alicea presented public comments highlighting many of the concerns outlined in our previous email and survey results. They offered recommendations focused on collaboration, improved communication, and increased education opportunities fo...

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We are leading a statewide advocacy initiative to address ongoing challenges within the Florida Social Work, Marriage and Family, and Mental Health Counseling Licensing Board, and your input is essential. As part of this effort, we are gathering direct feedback from social workers regarding their experiences with the licensing process. Your input is critical as we engage with legislators and the Governor's Office to advocate for improvements. This survey is an opportunity to share your experiences and help identify patterns and consequences related to delays, communication challenges, and barriers to licensure. Please share the...

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HB 13: Social Work Interstate Licensure Compact will be heard in the Health & Human Services Committee on January 21, 2026, at 8:00 am in 209 House Building! This bill already passed two House committees unanimously. If the bill passes this final committee, it will head to the House floor for a final vote. Here is how you can help right now: Contact the members of the Health & Human Services Committee and ask them to support HB 13: The Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact. Share your personal story—why the Compact matters to you, your clients, and your community. Lawmakers need t...

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Tomorrow, January 20, 2026, the Florida Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee will hear SB 590: Statute of Limitations Period for Violations Involving Required Reports Concerning Children.  What SB 590 Does SB 590 would change Florida's statute of limitations for violations involving mandated reports concerning child abuse and neglect. Under current law, the time limit to bring charges in cases where someone failed to make a legally required report about suspected child abuse or neglect begins running shortly after the abuse occurs. SB 590 ensures that the limitations period does not start u...

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The U.S. Department of Education has proposed removing MSW and DSW degrees from the "Professional Degree" category under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). We want to clarify what this means for our profession. What does this mean for you? If you are a practicing social worker or have already borrowed federal loans, your current loans, repayment plans, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility, and licensure will not change. This proposal only affects future borrowing for graduate students, such as Future MSW students Current MSW students who will need additional loans before completing their d...

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NASW-Florida is proud to support HB 281, which establishes critical safeguards for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in therapeutic, clinical, and counseling settings. The bill ensures that technology enhances, rather than replaces, the professional judgment and human connection at the heart of social work practice. Key Provisions: Regulation and Oversight: AI-driven tools may only be used in therapeutic settings under clearly defined regulatory standards. Accountability: Licensed practitioners retain full responsibility for all therapeutic services, ensuring that ethical standards and human judgment remain central. ...

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Effective October 1, 2025, several telehealth flexibilities introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic expired and require congressional action to be renewed.  This Tips & Tools page, provided by the National Office, informs members of key changes to the in-person requirement. The main takeaways from this update are: In-Person Requirement: Currently, Congress has not extended the in-person telehealth waiver. New patients must receive an in-person visit within 6 months before the first telehealth mental health service, and then every year (12 months) after. Exception to In-Person: Patients located in...

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The fight continues! The Social Work Licensure Compact bills have been refiled as HB 13/SB 74 for the upcoming 2026 Legislative session. The session begins on January 13, 2026, and we need your help to pass the compact.  This year's effort is a true grassroots movement, and only we—social workers, students, and community supporters—can get this across the finish line. Last year, many of you stepped forward, and your advocacy made a difference. This year, we need triple the voices.  Here's how you can help right now: Contact your Florida Legislators and ask them to support HB 13/SB 74: Soc...

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