Overview

• Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the repeal bill on May 29 due to the absence of caps on pain and suffering awards.
• The 1990 ‘free kill’ statute bars unmarried adult children over 25 and surviving parents from seeking noneconomic damages in wrongful death malpractice suits, limiting recoveries to economic losses.
• Florida’s House approved the repeal 104-6 and the Senate cleared it 33-4 after legislators heard testimonies from grief-stricken families.
• Lawmakers may seek an override when the session resumes, and if unsuccessful repeal advocates plan to renew lobbying efforts during the next legislative session.
• Reform advocates say family lawsuits are essential for accountability; opponents contend uncapped awards will spur litigation, raise insurance costs and worsen doctor shortages.