Florida Legislature Repeals 'Free Kill' Law Ending Medical Malpractice Liability Ban

Florida lawmakers have passed a bill to repeal the state's 35-year-old 'Free Kill' law, which currently prevents adult children over 25 and parents of adult children from suing for pain and suffering in wrongful death cases caused by medical malpractice. The law, in place since 1990, has long been criticized for excluding these groups from non-economic damages if the deceased was unmarried and had no minor children. The bill, HB 6017, was overwhelmingly approved by both the House and Senate and now awaits Governor Ron DeSantis' signature. Efforts to attach a cap on non-economic damages were rejected, with the Senate opting for a total repeal without limits. Supporters of the repeal argue it corrects a longstanding injustice, while opponents warn it could raise medical malpractice insurance premiums and worsen the state's healthcare provider shortage. The repeal is seen as a significant victory for families who have campaigned for change, though concerns remain about its potential impact on healthcare costs.