Advocacy
FPMA Advocacy Resources
The 2026 Florida Legislative Session began on Tuesday, January 13, 2026,
and is scheduled to conclude on Friday, March 13, 2026.
FPMA Advocacy: Legislation in Two Parts
Bill #1: As Related to Stem Cell Therapy; Controlled Substance Education
On November 3, 2025, FPMA members were sent an email from FPMA President, David M. Schweibish, DPM concerning recently enacted Florida legislation (CS/CS/SB 1768 - Stem Cell Therapy). FPMA is actively engaged to enact legislation during the 2026 Florida Legislative Session that will permit Podiatric Physicians to provide these treatments to their patients.
FPMA has filed SB 1092 (Podiatric Medicine) and HB 0567 (Podiatric Medicine), which authorize Florida-licensed Podiatric Physicians to perform stem cell therapy AND seek to modify the CE requirement for Controlled Substance.
Sponsors
SB 1092 is sponsored by Sen. Ralph E. Massullo, MD. HB 0567 is sponsored by Rep. Linda Chaney.
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Bill #2: As Related to Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact (in two parts)
The Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact (IPMLC) is an Interstate occupational licensure compact for Podiatric Physicians. The IPMLC facilitates multi-state practice for Podiatrists, improves health care access for patients, and enhances public protection.
States joining the IPMLC agree to recognize a valid, unencumbered license issued by another compact member state via a compact privilege. Licensed Podiatric Physicians who meet the compact standards and have been approved by a compact state can use the compact to obtain a license in each compact member state where they desire to provide care.
Podiatric Physicians must adhere to the laws and regulations of the state in which they are licensed. Oversight for licensed Podiatric Physicians remains entirely with each state's Licensing Board.
FPMA has filed SB 1314 (Public Records and Meetings/Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact) and SB 1312 (Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact) along with HB 1215 (Pub. Rec./Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact) and HB 1213 (Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact}, creating the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact, providing purpose of the compact, and specifying requirements for a Podiatric Physician to apply for and receive an expedited license in a member state.
Sponsors
SB 1314 and SB 1312 are sponsored by Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez. HB 1215 and HB 1213 are sponsored by Rep. Gallop Franklin II.
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FLORIDA PODIATRY POLITICAL COMMITTEE (FPPC) SUPPORT OF CANDIDATES:
In advance of the November 2026 mid-term elections, FPMA’s affiliated PAC, the Florida Podiatry Political Committee (FPPC) has elected to support the following candidates.
FPPC and FPMA leadership are confident that, if elected, these individuals will be “true friends to Podiatry” and will endeavor to keep the welfare of the podiatric profession top of mind when considering all future legislation.
- Michael Friend, DMD (Candidate (D) for State House, District 102)
For campaign and contribution information: https://electmikefriend.com - Eric Stelnicki, MD (Candidate (R) for State House, District 100)
For campaign and contribution information: https://www.docstelnickifl.com
My son, Dr. Eric Stelnicki, is running as a Republican for the Florida House from Broward county. I think this would give podiatrists a great friend and sponsor for legislation as needed.
Eric is a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who practices in Fort Lauderdale. He is world-renowned for his pediatric cranial facial surgery.
We are going to have a Meet and Greet fundraiser on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at SAM 2026. His win would give us good podiatric support in the Florida House.
Eric is doing well in the campaign and his primary should take place in August, 2026. I am hoping I can count on ALL of you to help his campaign be successful. At this point in the campaign, a contribution of $1,000 per person is maximum contribution. I am calling on FPMA members because you have the best understanding of our needs.
I will be attending SAM 2026 and look forward to seeing each and every one of you. If you are not going to be at SAM, please contact Chris Hansen to provide your contribution.
Fraternally,
Jim Stelnicki, DPM
*Dr. Eric Stelnicki and his father, FPMA Past President Dr. Jim Stelnicki (1977), will be attending SAM 2026. They will be at the annual Presidential Reception on Saturday, January 31.
Congressman Darren Soto
APMAPAC is excited to host a reception in support of Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) during SAM 2026 on January 30. Events like this are a critical part of APMA’s broader advocacy strategy, which allows us to cultivate, strengthen, and sustain champions on Capitol Hill who understand our issues and are willing to lead on them.
Rep. Soto has been a strong and reliable champion of the podiatric profession and patient access to care. He has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the profession, including:
- In Congress, co-sponsoring podiatry-focused legislating, including the HELLPP Act;
- Serving on the influential House Energy & Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over major health care policy; and
- Engaging directly with our members by speaking at the 2024 Legislative Conference and the 2025 APMA Leadership Hill Day, where he shared insights on Congress and effective advocacy.
If you plan on attending SAM 2026, I hope you will consider attending and lending your support in person. If you are unable to attend, I hope you can still support the Congressman. Your contribution is important regardless of attendance. One meaningful option is to sponsor a young physician, helping ensure that early career advocates can participate and engage directly in the political process. You will be looking to do one or two more of these types of events in district throughout the year. This takes our advocacy to the next level.
Whether through attendance or a direct contribution, your support strengthens our collective advocacy efforts and reinforces our relationship with a key Congressional ally.
Event details and contribution information are below and attached.
Reception in Support of Congressman Darren Soto
Friday, January 30
6:30 pm - 7:00 pm - VIP Reception
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm - General Reception
VIP: $500 | Supporter: $250 | Attendee: $150
Contribute online: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/1-30-26apma
The General Reception will include a musical concert, performed by Congressman Soto. We invite supporters to come out for a unique experience and a rocking good time!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Ben Melano.
Thank you for your leadership and for your continued commitment to advancing APMA’s policy priorities.
Be joyful and treat everyone with respect.
My best,
Randy K. Kaplan, DPM, FASPS, FACFAS
APMAPAC Chair
FPMA Key Legislative Contacts
| If you are interested in becoming an FPMA Key Legislative Contact, please email FPMA CEO/Executive Director Karen Lambert at importantinfo@fpma.com or call FPMA CEO/Executive Director Karen Lambert directly at 850.224.4085. |
The Florida Podiatry Political Committee (FPPC) is the Florida state recognized independent arm of FPMA, created to provide financial support to bipartisan candidates for the Florida House and Senate. These officials decide how Podiatric Medicine is practiced in Florida. To find out more about Florida Podiatry PC, click here.
FPPC Legislative Goals
- Continue to protect the current Podiatry Practice Act - F.S. 461
- Support "Any Willing Provider" legislation and sponsors
- Explore legislative support for "Physician Payment Parity" bill
- Lobbying defense against adverse practice legislation
- Provide campaign assistance to ProPodiatry legislators
The Florida Podiatry PC created a Podiatric Fact Sheet, which is supplied to all of the candidates FPMA supports so when they are faced with medical legislation, Florida Podiatry will be included. Click here to access the Florida Podiatry PC Fact Sheet.
FPPC Victories
- Expanded Practice act for surgery to the tibial tubercle and defeated legislation reducing practice scope to "Foot and Ankle"
- Changed Florida Statutes from Podiatry to Podiatric Physician
- Insurance Statutes - Direct Podiatry access without referral
- Successfully kept Podiatrists included in the Medicaid budget
- 90% success rate in electing PAC supported candidates
How You Can Contribute to FPPC
FPPC protects your practice rights and is involved in:
- Legislative Advocacy
- Insurance Advocacy
- Regulatory Advocacy
- Legislator DPM Education
- Podiatry Statute Defense
There are now four ways you can make a contribution to FPPC:
- FPMA members can include a contribution to FPPC when they are making their annual dues payment (a voluntary contribution amount of $125.00 is listed on the dues invoice and can be included with the dues payment).
- Text "podiatrypac" to (800) 500-5858.
- Donate online by clicking HERE.
- Donate by scanning the following QR code.
| State of Florida Advocacy Links |  |
FPMA Office Visit Request Sample Letter
Online Sunshine (Official Internet Site of the Florida Legislature)
List of Florida Senators (by County)
List of Representatives of the Florida House (by County)
| APMA Advocacy Resources |  |
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Legislative Advocacy department and Legislative Committee provide members with current information about federal legislative issues. Click on the links below for more information.
APMA Federal Advocacy Information
The APMA State Advocacy program area was established to assist APMA state components and members in their legislative efforts as well as to advance the priorities of Podiatric Medicine through legal and regulatory advocacy. Check out the links below for more information on APMA state advocacy.
APMA State Advocacy Information