Florida House Panel Sends Malpractice Wrongful-Death Expansion to the Floor

The proposal faces an uncertain path because there is no Senate companion and the governor vetoed an identical measure, citing the need for safeguards.

Overview

House Judiciary voted 15–1 to advance HB 6003 to the full House, with Rep. Tom Fabricio casting the lone no vote.
The bill would let parents of single, childless adults 25 and older seek damages in medical-malpractice deaths and allow adult children to sue over the deaths of single parents.
The measure is procedurally ready for floor consideration when the 2026 session opens on Jan. 13.
Hospitals, insurers, and medical groups warn of higher premiums and point to recent large jury awards, while supporters say the change fixes the so-called “free kill” gap.
Debate over noneconomic damage caps looms, as House leaders oppose caps, some senators are open to them, and Gov. DeSantis has pressed for such safeguards after vetoing last session’s bill.