Governor DeSantis Vetoes Repeal of Florida's 'Free Kill' Law

On Thursday, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed HB 6017, a widely supported bipartisan bill that would have repealed Florida’s unique 35-year-old exception in wrongful death lawsuits involving medical malpractice — a statute often referred to as the state’s "Free Kill" law.

DeSantis cited concerns about rising healthcare costs, liability risks for physicians, and potential strain on Florida’s insurance market. The bill would have allowed parents of deceased adult children and adult children of deceased parents to seek non-economic damages when medical negligence is involved — rights currently denied under state law.

Despite overwhelming support in the House (104-6) and Senate (33-4), the governor emphasized the need for damage caps and other legal safeguards to avoid what he called a “legal landscape ripe for predatory trial attorneys.”

Lawmakers and advocacy groups remain divided on next steps, with talk of a veto override — though such moves are historically rare in Florida.

DeSantis Press Release / DeSantis Veto Letter / News Service Florida / Florida Politics / Florida's Voice / Politico Pro / Tampa Bay Times-Miami Herald / Sun Sentinel / Naples Daily News / LobbyTools 2025 Governor's Activity / LobbyTools 2025 Session Wrap-Up: Civil Justice and Claims Bills