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Board asks staff to reference Florida Department of Health exemption form in immunization and enrollment policies
Summary
Board members asked staff to insert clear language into enrollment and immunization policies noting that Florida Department of Health exemption forms (religious or medical) are acceptable documentation for students who decline required immunizations.
Board members asked staff to make it explicit in the district’s enrollment and immunization policies that Florida Department of Health (DOH) exemption forms are the appropriate documentation when parents decline immunizations on religious or medical grounds.
During the workshop a board member described recent cases in which families arriving from other states tried to use out‑of‑state exemption forms or records, and staff confirmed Florida requires DOH‑approved forms for exemptions. The transcript refers to the Department of Health form commonly known as "DH 681" (religious exemption) and staff suggested inserting language referring to the Department of Health’s approved forms rather than hard‑coding a form number in case the DOH updates its paperwork.
Staff and board members agreed to add DOH exemption language to the immunization and health examination policy (page references in the packet were discussed) and to include cross‑references in the enrollment policy so parents can find the requirement easily when they enroll a student. Staff said the DOH has medical and religious exemption processes and that those forms — rather than district-only letters — govern exemptions.
Speakers included board members and district staff. No statutory citation beyond references to "state law" and DOH rules was provided in the workshop transcript; staff recommended referencing the DOH’s approved forms rather than a fixed form number to preserve flexibility.
