Advocacy
FPMA Advocacy Resources
and concluded on Friday, March 13, 2026.
2026 FPMA Legislative Session Report
FPMA ADVOCACY WIN! HB567/SB1092 (Cellular Tissue)
On March 10, 2026, as a direct result of FPMA’s advocacy efforts,
HB567/SB1092 successfully passed both chambers.
The legislation now goes to the Governor’s desk for signature.
Read the summary provided below to see how this will affect your practice:
HB 567 - SB 1092 - Podiatric Medicine – 2026
HB 567 General Bill by Chaney, Co-Sponsors: Bartleman, Berfield, Edmonds, Grow, Long, Nix, Jr., Porras, Salzman, Valdés
SB1092 General Bill by Massullo, Jr.
Summary:
- Limit required controlled-substance prescribing education to podiatric physicians registered with the DEA
Section 1 amends s. 461.007, F.S., to establish that only podiatric physicians who are registered with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and who are authorized to prescribe controlled substances pursuant to 21 U.S.C. s. 822, are required to complete a minimum of two hours of continuing education related to the safe and effective prescribing of controlled substances as a condition of biennial licensure renewal.
The bill eliminates the requirement for podiatric physicians who do not prescribe controlled substances to complete such training within the 40 hours of continuing education otherwise required for license renewal.
- Establish legal parameters for using cellular or tissue-based products under specified conditions.
Section 2 creates s. 461.011, F.S., to authorize podiatric physicians to perform procedures using cellular or tissue-based products that are not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and to impose requirements relating to the manufacture, use, notice, consent, and oversight of such therapies.- Authorizes the use of certain unapproved cellular or tissue-based products by qualifying podiatric physicians for specified treatment purposes such as connective tissue repair, wound care, and pain management.
- Requires that such cellular or tissue-based products come from facilities registered with the FDA and meet specific accreditation and viability standards.
- Mandates inclusion of clear statutory notice in all forms of advertisement regarding non-FDA-approved cellular or tissue-based products.
- Establishes a signed consent requirement informing patients of procedure details, risks, benefits, and the unapproved status of the products.
- Sets criminal penalties and disciplinary actions for prohibited uses, including procedures involving fetal cells from abortions or distributing certain products created from human tissues.
Resources:
Bill Analysis and Fiscal Impact Statement
SB1092
FPMA member questions regarding this legislation should be directed to importantinfo@fpma.com.
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
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.
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. |
| 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