Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced the state will end all vaccine mandates. This move could make Florida the first U.S. state to stop requiring vaccines, despite their proven effectiveness in preventing deaths. The state already has a high rate of non-medical vaccine exemptions for kindergartners. Ladapo, a vocal vaccine critic, compared vaccine mandates to slavery. Governor Ron DeSantis stated the Department of Health can end mandates not in state law, but legislative action is needed for others. He has not discussed these potential changes with lawmakers. Current state law mandates immunizations for seven illnesses for school children. The Department of Health can add vaccines to this list, but cannot remove them. Florida also requires vaccinations for chickenpox, Hib, hepatitis B, and pneumococcal disease. Ladapo asserted that individuals should decide what goes into their bodies, not the government. This decision is concerning to public health experts who fear increased susceptibility to deadly diseases for children.