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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
School Enrollment
Contact the School Health Services Program
- 850-245-4465
- HSF.SH_Feedback@flhealth.gov
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Fax
850-410-1304 -
Mailing Address
School Health Services Program
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A13
Tallahassee, FL 32399
This page is intended to help parents find the health requirements related to student enrollment in Florida's schools. The Florida Department of Health provides requirements for school entry examinations, immunizations, and school health programs.
Other requirements for school entry can be found through the Florida Department of Education or the local school district.
School Entry Health Examination
Students in grades prekindergarten through 12th grade who are making their initial entry into a Florida school must present a record of a school entry health examination completed within one year before enrollment.
The school entry health exam, completed and signed by a health care provider licensed to perform physical exams in the U.S., should be taken to the child's school upon enrollment. Although a specific form is not required, it is recommended that Florida's standardized School Entry Health Exam form (DH3040-CHP-07/2013) be used to document completion of a physical examination. A form signed by a health care provider licensed to perform physical exams in the U.S. that indicates the results of the components included in School Entry Health Exam form (DH3040-CHP-07/2013) is also acceptable.
For students transferring to a Florida school, a comparable form from another state would also be acceptable, if performed by a health care provider licensed to perform physical exams, and completed within one year before enrollment.
- Section 1003.22(1), Florida Statutes
- Rule 6A-6.024, Florida Administrative Code
- School Entry Health Exam Form DH3040-CHP-07-2013
- School Entry Health Exam Instructions: DH3040-CHP-07/2013 Instructions
Certification of Immunization or Exemption
In Florida, exemptions for immunizations fall into two catagories: religious and medical.
Religious Exemption
This exemption is only issued by a county health department and based on established religious beliefs or practices only.
- Form DH 681, Religious Exemption From Immunization, is issued if immunizations are in conflict with the religious tenets and practices of the child's parent or guardian.
- Form DH 681 must be presented to the school or facility prior to the child's entry, attendance, or transfer.
- Locate a County Health Department
Medical Exemptions
Temporary Medical Exemption
- A private health care provider may grant a temporary medical exemption, documented on the Form DH 680, Florida Certification of Immunization, for a child who has received immunizations as medically indicated at the time and who are in the process of completing any necessary immunizations.
- The temporary medical exemption requires an expiration date after which the exemption is no longer valid, and the immunizations must be completed before or at that time.
Permanent Medical Exemption
- A private health care provider may grant a permanent medical exemption, documented on the Form DH 680, can be granted if a child cannot be fully immunized due to medical reasons. The child's physician must state in writing, the reasons for exemption based on valid clinical reasoning or evidence.
Certification of Immunization
The Florida Certification of Immunization, Form DH 680, must be used to document the immunizations required for enrollment and attendance in Florida schools. These forms are not available to the public and must be completed by a licensed Florida physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or Florida county health department. It is recommended that parents obtain a copy of the child's complete immunization history before leaving the current state of residence.
Florida's county health department or other Florida health care provider will need this immunization history for entry into Florida SHOTS immunization registry. The certified Florida Certification of Immunization, Form DH 680 can be printed from SHOTS for the parent to bring to school for school enrollment.
- Section 1003.22(3), Florida Statutes
- School Immunization Requirements
- Immunization Guidelines for Schools, Childcare Facilities and Family Daycare Homes
- Immunization Information for Health Care Providers
County Health Departments and Local Health Clinics
Contact the to find the county health department immunization clinic, federally qualified health center, or community health center location closest to your child's new home.
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