Logan Reed
In Florida, exemptions for immunizations fall into two categories: religious and medical. A religious exemption from vaccination must be obtained from a county health department and requires a completed Form DH 681, Religious Exemption From Immunization. This form must be presented to the school or facility prior to the child's entry, attendance, or transfer. A temporary or permanent medical exemption may be granted by a private healthcare provider and documented on Form DH 680, Florida Certification of Immunization. This form requires a physician's statement and signature, as well as clinical reasoning or evidence for the exemption. So, while the process for obtaining vaccine exemptions in Florida is straightforward, it is important to follow the specific requirements for each type of exemption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Entities authorised to issue vaccine exemptions | County health department |
| Entities authorised to grant temporary medical exemptions | Private healthcare provider |
| Entities authorised to grant permanent medical exemptions | Private healthcare provider |
| Form for religious exemption | DH 681 |
| Form for medical exemption | DH 680 |
| Who can sign the form for medical exemption | Physician |
| Who can sign the form for religious exemption | Parent or guardian |
| Who must the form be presented to | School or facility |
| When must the form be presented | Prior to the child's entry, attendance or transfer |
| Entities authorised to accept or reject religious exemption forms | Private school administrators |
| Entities that must be notified in case of medical exemption | Public school health nurse or authorised private school official |
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What You'll Learn
Religious exemption certificates
In Florida, exemptions for immunizations fall into two categories: religious and medical. Religious exemption certificates are standardized approved forms issued by county health departments. The form number is DH 681, titled "Religious Exemption From Immunization".
The certificate is a written form certifying that the parent's objection to immunization for religious reasons exempts the parent and child from state vaccination requirements. It is only necessary for use in Florida public and private schools for kindergarten through grade 12. A religious exemption is for anyone who has a sincere religious conflict with vaccination. This objection may be expressly implied by religious denomination or based on an individual's own moral or spiritual conscience to live God's Word.
The DH 681 form must be presented to the school or facility prior to the child's entry, attendance, or transfer. It is the only official record-keeping document that each school is required to keep on file to be in compliance with Florida statutes. The school's only authority in the matter of vaccine mandates is to comply with the state's administrative requests and obtain and retain certified records for all students.
Florida law provides that you are entitled to a religious exemption, and all county health departments are obliged to authorize a religious exemption when requested. The health department will issue the most up-to-date form, which must be signed by the county health director or authorized agent.
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Medical exemption certificates
In Florida, exemptions for immunizations fall into two categories: religious and medical. A medical exemption certificate is a critical step for parents or guardians seeking to exempt their child from certain vaccinations. The form is only for vaccines that are medically contraindicated. It is important to be meticulous and thorough when filling out the form. This includes providing the child's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number (optional).
A private healthcare provider may grant a temporary medical exemption, documented on Form DH 680, Florida Certification of Immunization. This form records all vaccinations a child has received and is often required for school enrollment. The temporary medical exemption requires an expiration date, after which the exemption is no longer valid, and immunizations must be completed by that time. The certificate of immunization (COI) confirms that a child has received the necessary vaccinations for school attendance.
A private healthcare provider may also grant a permanent medical exemption, documented on Form DH 680. This can be granted if a child cannot be fully immunized due to medical reasons. The child's physician must state in writing the reasons for exemption based on valid clinical reasoning or evidence. This is similar to the medical exemption letter, which is a letter from a healthcare provider stating that a child cannot receive certain vaccines for medical reasons.
It is important to note that the procedure for obtaining a medical exemption may vary depending on the state and the specific requirements of the school or childcare facility. In Texas, for example, a doctor (MD/DO) must provide a written note explaining why a child cannot be vaccinated, and this note is only valid for one year unless the doctor states that the child has a lifelong condition.
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School admission requirements
Florida Statute 1003.22 requires each child entering a Florida school for the first time to present a certificate of immunization from a licensed physician or the county health department (CHD). Students enrolling in Kindergarten and 7th grade are required to have proof of a current and certified DH 680 Immunization Form, regardless of whether they are enrolling from in-state or out of state. Students enrolling in Grades PK-12 must have a current and certified DH 680 Immunization Form prior to starting school, unless there is a DH 681 Religious Exemption Form or medical exemption from the child's physician. Foster care and homeless students, as well as in-state transfer students, may be granted 30 days to provide the necessary immunization documentation.
A private healthcare provider may grant a temporary medical exemption, documented on the Form DH 680, for a child who is in the process of completing any necessary immunizations. The temporary medical exemption requires an expiration date, after which the exemption is no longer valid, and immunizations must be completed by that time. A permanent medical exemption, also documented on the Form DH 680, can be granted if a child cannot be fully immunized due to medical reasons. In this case, the child's physician must state in writing the reasons for exemption based on valid clinical reasoning or evidence.
If a parent or guardian has a religious objection to vaccination, they must present a Religious Exemption from Immunization certificate (DH 681) to their child's school prior to admission. This form is issued by a County Health Department upon written request from the parent or guardian, stating objections to the examination on religious grounds. The DH 681 form must be signed by the parent affirming a written statement that a religious conflict exists. Day care and pre-schools are also bound by the same provisions of Florida statute 1003.22 as are K-12 public and private schools.
It is important to note that the statute governing Florida public and private K-12 school entry requirements does not apply to other states or post-secondary institutions. Each state has its own specific laws regarding vaccination admission requirements. While certain vaccines are recommended for college-bound adult students, every person aged 18 or older has the right to informed consent and may decline the vaccines.
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Exemption for juvenile justice students
In Florida, exemptions for immunizations fall into two categories: religious and medical. The exemption is only issued by a county health department and based on established religious beliefs or practices. Form DH 681, Religious Exemption From Immunization, is issued if immunizations contradict the religious tenets and practices of the child's parent or guardian. Form DH 681 must be presented to the school or facility before the child's entry, attendance, or transfer. All county health departments are obliged to authorize a religious exemption when requested.
A private healthcare provider may grant a temporary medical exemption, documented on Form DH 680, Florida Certification of Immunization. This is for a child who has received immunizations as medically indicated and is in the process of completing any necessary immunizations. The temporary medical exemption requires an expiration date after which the exemption is no longer valid, and the immunizations must be completed before or at that time. A private healthcare provider may also grant a permanent medical exemption, documented on the same form, if a child cannot be fully immunized due to medical reasons. The child's physician must state in writing the reasons for the exemption based on valid clinical reasoning or evidence.
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) offers a diversionary program for first-time youthful offenders visiting Northwest Florida who live out of state or the 14th circuit. The type of charges are non-violent first-degree misdemeanors. Violent misdemeanor offenses are considered on a case-by-case basis. This program generally occurs during spring break and summer. All youths referred to the program must first be approved by the State Attorney's Office (SAO). The youth and parent or guardian must sign a waiver of a speedy trial to be accepted into the program. Upon successful completion of the program, the charges are dismissed.
Teen Court is another diversion program for first-time misdemeanor offenders (ages 8-17). It allows offenders to participate in a court conducted by their peers instead of going through the customary juvenile court. The youthful offender admits their guilt and is sanctioned by a jury of their peers. Juveniles has 30-90 days to comply with sanctions. If they do so successfully, the youth will not have a criminal record. If the defendant fails any part of Teen Court, their case is automatically returned to Juvenile Court. Teen Court provides immediate and meaningful consequences. Those who are accepted and who successfully complete the program will not be adjudicated delinquent and will be given the opportunity to have their juvenile record expunged (certain charges do not qualify for expungement).
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Temporary vs. permanent exemptions
In Florida, exemptions for immunizations fall into two categories: religious and medical. A temporary medical exemption can be granted by a private healthcare provider if a child has received immunizations as medically indicated and is in the process of completing any necessary immunizations. This exemption requires an expiration date by which the immunizations must be completed. The relevant form for this is DH 680, Florida Certification of Immunization.
A permanent medical exemption, also documented on Form DH 680, can be granted if a child cannot be fully immunized for medical reasons. The child's physician must provide written reasons for the exemption, based on valid clinical reasoning or evidence. In rare cases, children may have a permanent medical exemption from all vaccines, in which case only a Part C certificate is issued.
A religious exemption from immunization must be obtained from a county health department and applies to all students enrolled in Florida public and private K-12 schools, childcare, day care homes, and preschools. The relevant form is DH 681, Religious Exemption from Immunization, which must be presented to the school or facility before the child's entry, attendance, or transfer. The procedure for obtaining a religious exemption is the same across all counties in Florida. It is worth noting that a religious exemption only applies to enrollment in K-12 schools and does not apply to other states or post-secondary institutions.
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Frequently asked questions
In Florida, exemptions for immunizations fall into two categories: religious and medical.
A religious exemption from vaccination must be obtained from a county health department. Form DH 681, Religious Exemption From Immunization, is issued if immunizations conflict with the religious beliefs and practices of the child's parent or guardian. This form must be presented to the school before the child's entry.
A private healthcare provider may grant a temporary or permanent medical exemption, documented on Form DH 680, Florida Certification of Immunization. The exemption requires a physician's statement and signature, as well as valid clinical reasoning or evidence for the exemption.
Yes, an exemption for 30 days may be issued for a student entering a juvenile justice program to allow them to attend class until their records or immunizations are obtained.
