Rep. David Smith has refiled a bill that aims to repeal Florida’s long-standing restrictions on naturopathy.

Smith, a Winter Springs Republican, filed a measure (HB 223) that seeks to establish regulatory frameworks to ensure naturopathic doctors are well-trained, officially licensed and closely monitored, much like other health care professions.

Naturopathic medicine involves diagnosis, prevention, and treatment using natural remedies, including botanical extracts, nutrition, homeopathy and physical medicine. 

According to the bill, naturopathy has been almost completely banned in Florida since 1959, following its initial regulation by the state in 1927. The legislative intent stated in the measure aims to “free naturopathy” in Florida by removing the outright ban and modernizing regulations.

The bill clarifies that naturopathic doctors are prohibited from prescribing pharmaceutical drugs, performing surgery, anesthesia, or spinal adjustments unless licensed, or from practicing as a Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), chiropractors, acupuncturists or other regulated professions that require a separate licensure.

A seven-member Board of Naturopathic Medicine within the Department of Health (DOH) would be created, consisting of at least four licensed naturopathic doctors, two MD or DO physicians, and one public member. Board members would be required to complete disciplinary training to participate in enforcement decisions.

Licensure requirements would include a bachelor’s degree, a naturopathic doctoral degree from an accredited program, passing a national board exam, and fingerprinting and background checks. It would further allow licensure endorsements for qualified out-of-state practitioners.

Unlicensed individuals would be prohibited from using protected titles like “Naturopathic Doctor” or “N.D.,” and violations would be classified as a second-degree misdemeanor.

The bill outlines a disciplinary framework for naturopathic doctors, which would empower DOH and the created board to investigate complaints and enforce any sanctions.

Grounds for disciplinary action include fraud, criminal convictions, malpractice, unprofessional conduct, and practicing beyond the authorized scope, such as prescribing prohibited substances.

Sanctions can include reprimands, fines, license suspension or revocation, mandatory remedial education, or permanent disqualification from exemption programs. The department could also seek injunctions to prevent unauthorized or unsafe practice.

Exemptions exist and would include students, out-of-state practitioners, religious practices and domestic remedies, and sellers of dietary supplements that are providing information. The term “traditional naturopath” could also be used as long as they are not misrepresenting themselves as licensed doctors.

If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026.

Smith filed an identical measure (HB 533) in the House during the 2025 Legislative Session. Doral Republican Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez filed a similar measure (SB 470) in the Senate, which was cosponsored by St. Petersburg Democratic Sen. Darryl Rouson. Both measures stalled in committee.

The 2025 version of the bill was supported by the Florida chapter of the Children’s Health Defense, which said that it’s time for Florida to formally and legally recognize the profession.

“Unfortunately, too many Floridians are facing the burden of our growing chronic disease epidemic,” the group said in a statement. “To heal, so many of us must address the lifestyle factors that create the conditions for chronic diseases. Traditional Naturopaths and NDs are critical to addressing this epidemic as Naturopathy focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease through lifestyle changes.”