The FVMA is proud to offer the chance for FVMA members to meet face-to-face with Florida’s decision-makers to discuss critical bills affecting:
When & Where are the Legislative Action Days?
New Dates Incoming. Tallahassee, FL.
Please note: FVMA’s Legislative Action Days are for FVMA and FAEP Members only.
Why Should You Attend?
Your voice strengthens our collective impact. Participating lets you examine legislative advocacy from the inside while contributing to meaningful discussions with key legislators.
The FVMA is the leading animal advocate in Florida. In this role, we must do our part to protect animals on the same level as our individual dedicated veterinary professional members. The FVMA Political Action Committee (PAC) stands as a non-partisan, nonprofit political committee, rallying support from our valued members to bolster crucial lobbying initiatives that affect our members, our patients, and our business.
The FVMA recognizes the need to elevate our credentialed veterinary technicians. These team members currently have significant advanced training. Elevating these veterinary workforce team members to perform more services fills a critical need in veterinary practices and how they serve the public. The first step required is licensing these trained technicians in the state of Florida Licensing of veterinary technicians is the law in 44 other states currently.
Veterinary technicians must be credentialed to be eligible for licensure. Credentialed Veterinary Technicians have either a 2- or 4-year veterinary technician degree from an accredited program and have passed the national technician’s examination and skills tests. For Licensure they will also have to demonstrate knowledge of Florida’s laws and rules governing veterinary practice.
SB 898/ HB 767 will:
The Florida Veterinary Medical Association, along with 48 other states, strongly opposes the creation of a mid-level practitioner position (Veterinary Professional Associate). Reasons include:
Xylazine is an essential animal sedative with a long history of use across veterinary medicine. Veterinary access to legitimate FDA approved xylazine must be preserved while combating the emerging public health threat of illicit xylazine.
Limiting access to approved xylazine by veterinarians jeopardizes animal welfare and human safety.
Xylazine sedation is essential for the safe handling of many species, particularly cattle as there is no practical alternative medication available currently. It is also used for the safe handling of animals in many zoo, laboratory and wildlife settings.
According to federal agencies and state law enforcement there currently is no significant diversion of FDA approved veterinary xylazine. Illicit manufacturing and importation of xylazine from overseas is the common source of the street drug.
SB 1360 /HB 57 will:
NOTE: Store and document your current supply as controlled. Log everything.
Veterinary medicine was mistakenly captured in last year’s bill exempting professions licensed under the Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation from continuing education requirements after 10 years of practice. In an industry characterized by rapid advancements and ever evolving challenges continuing education:
By being committed to participating in lifelong learning, veterinarians adapt to changes in the profession and can implement the latest treatments and practices. Continuing education ultimately benefits the animals, their owners and the general public.
We need your support!
Donate to the FVMA PAC Today!
The FVMA Political Action Committee (PAC) is a bipartisan, nonprofit, political committee formed to raise contributions from our members and the public to provide needed financial support for lobbying efforts.
Every dollar raised for the PAC funds legislative efforts in favor of veterinary professionals, small business owners, and the animals entrusted in your care. Both our lobbyists and the local and state legislators that we choose to support are aligned with our values.
When it comes time for Florida’s legislative session each year, the FVMA works tirelessly to ensure veterinary interests are considered as thousands of bills are introduced. Advocacy is one of the most important benefits our association provides.
To have a meaningful impact on our legislative priorities, the FVMA encourages all of our members to write or call their legislators to express their opinions on the crucial matters of telemedicine, xylazine, and licensing of technicians.
Do you know who your legislators are? It’s important to know how and where you can make a difference when it comes to the legislative process. If you need help finding who supports the veterinary profession, contact us and we can help.
As we have done previously, we continue today! Our commitment and ongoing vigilance remain unwavering! Our focus remains centered on identifying initiatives that may have an impact on the veterinary community. This includes scrutinizing special tax districts that utilize public funds to provide complimentary services, potentially creating competition for private practices.
We are also dedicated to safeguarding the privacy of our clients and patients by opposing the dissemination of Rabies Certificate information to third parties. Our efforts in this regard aim to ensure that sensitive information is not disclosed to unauthorized parties.
Furthermore, we actively monitor and oppose proposals that seek to introduce non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering claims, which may target veterinarians and veterinary practices in the event of pet loss. Our objective is to protect the interests of those within the veterinary profession.
We remain vigilant in our efforts to identify any initiatives that could be perceived as detrimental to animal health, potentially affecting those who contribute to the broader One Health ecosystem.
The FVMA is closely monitoring the legislative landscape and keeping a vigilant eye on the following bills:
