2026 Legislative Priorities
Strengthening Florida’s Healthcare Safety Net
The Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (FAFCC) represents 109 member clinics providing free healthcare to uninsured Floridians — hardworking adults, families, and seniors who fall into the Medicaid coverage gap.
Clinics deliver comprehensive services statewide, including medical, dental, behavioral health, vision, and pharmacy care.
Together, they form the backbone of Florida’s healthcare safety net — community-based, volunteer-driven, and dedicated to keeping Floridians healthy.
The Value of Free & Charitable Clinics
FAFCC member clinics provided a tremendous return on investment of the $12.5 million state investment in 2025:
- 220,294 patients served
- Over half a million patient visits
- $242 million in care delivered statewide
Every dollar invested delivers $19 in life-saving care.
Emergency Room Diversion
Recent statewide data shows 42% of patients had fewer ER visits since receiving care at a free or charitable clinic — saving an estimated $295 million each year in avoidable hospital costs. Clinics provide accessible, preventive care that keeps patients healthy and reduces strain on emergency rooms.
2026 Legislative Priorities
Support $3 million in non-recurring funds to expand dental and mental health care statewide. These targeted investments will:
- Address two of Florida’s largest unmet health needs
- Strengthen clinic capacity to reach more uninsured Floridians
- Reduce avoidable ER visits and uncompensated hospital costs
Expand Florida’s sovereign immunity protections to include dental and dental hygienist students volunteering in free and charitable clinics. This simple statutory change would:
- Encourage more dental professionals and students to serve in high-need communities
- Expand preventative care access for uninsured patients
- Reduce dental-related emergency visits and improve outcomes for patients
Together, We Keep Florida Healthy
Free and charitable clinics save lives, reduce costs, and strengthen the healthcare safety net.
Rebecca DeLorenzo, CEO
📞 (904) 337-9124
📧 Rebecca@fafcc.org
🌐 www.fafcc.org
Click here for a downloadable a one-page summary of our legislative priorities and highlights.