Florida bill would license naturopathic doctors and limit their care

The vetoed proposal would require a license to practice naturopathic medicine or use protected naturopathic doctor titles. The rules would cover people practicing naturopathic medicine in Florida and people using protected naturopathic doctor titles. Applicants would need to meet age, education, character, background screening, and exam requirements. The proposal exempts specified activities, including students and residents working under direct supervision, religious practice, and traditional naturopathy that does not use protected titles or imply the person is a naturopathic doctor. The proposal's stated effective date was December 31, 2026, but the Governor vetoed it.

The proposal would define the care licensed naturopathic doctors could provide and set limits on that care. The definition would apply to naturopathic doctors licensed under the chapter. The definition covers diagnosis, prevention, and treatment using listed natural and non-drug approaches consistent with recognized naturopathic education and principles. It excludes prescription drugs other than natural, nonpharmacologic substances, surgery, and several procedures unless the doctor also holds the separate license required for that work. The proposal's stated effective date was December 31, 2026, but the Governor vetoed it.

The proposal would place naturopathic medicine licensing and discipline under a state board and set license renewal and education rules. These oversight and renewal rules would apply to naturopathic doctors and their licenses in Florida. The seven board members would be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate; four would be licensed naturopathic doctors, two physicians, and one person without a license in naturopathy or a closely related profession. Doctors would renew every two years and complete at least 60 hours of continuing education per renewal period. Reactivating an inactive license would require at least 20 classroom hours for each year it was inactive. The proposal's stated effective date was December 31, 2026, but the Governor vetoed it.