Immunization and Health Examination Requirements
Florida Statute 1003.22 requires each child entering a Florida school for the first time to present a certificate of immunization from a licensed practicing physician or the county health department prior to entry into school.
DH 680 Immunization Form Requirements
Kindergarten and 7th-grade students are required to have proof of a current and certified DH 680 Immunization Form, regardless if they are enrolling from in-state or out of state per FL Statute 1003.22(2) and FLDOH Immunization Requirements.
In-State (New Enrollment)
Students initially enrolling in Grades PK-12 must have a current and certified DH 680 Immunization Form prior to starting school, unless there is a DH 681 Religious Exemption Form or medical exemption from the child's physician.
Foster care and homeless students have 30 school days to provide a current and certified DH 680 Immunization Form.
In-State (Prior Enrollment in a Florida Private or Public School)
In-state transfer students may be granted 30 school days to provide a current and certified DH 680 Immunization Form, unless there is a DH 681 Religious Exemption Form or medical exemption from the child's physician.
Out of State
Students enrolling from out of state must have a current and certified DH 680 Immunization Form prior to starting school, unless there is a DH 681 Religious Exemption Form or medical exemption from the child's physician.
DH 3040 Health Examination Form Requirements
The DH 3040 Health Examination Form can be completed by the student's primary care physician or local clinic. However, per FL Statute 1003.22, a student shall be exempted from the requirement of a health examination upon written request of the parent of the student stating objections to the examination on religious grounds.
In-State (New Enrollment)
Students initially enrolling in Grades PK-12 must provide a certified DH 3040 Health Examination Form (and page 1 of the form completed by parent/guardian) that was completed within twelve (12) months prior to their initial school entrance. Foster care and homeless students have 30 school days to provide a certified DH 3040 Health Examination Form (and page 1 of the form completed by parent/guardian) that was completed within twelve (12) months.
In-State (Prior Enrollment in a Florida Private or Public School)
In-state transfer students may be granted 30 school days to provide a certified DH 3040 Health Examination Form (and page 1 of the form completed by parent/guardian).
Out of State
For students enrolling from outside of the state of Florida, proof of a current (within the past 12 months) health examination is required prior to enrolling in school. It does not have to be on the Florida DH 3040 Health Examination Form, but it needs to have the required information (must include vision and hearing screening, height and weight).
Immunization Medical Exemptions and Religious Exemptions
Private health care providers may grant a Temporary Medical Exemption (TME), documented on the DH 680 Form, Florida Certification of Immunization, for those who are in the process of completing any necessary immunizations. The TME requires an expiration date after which the exemption is no longer valid, and the immunizations must be completed before or at that time.
A Permanent Medical Exemption, documented on the DH 680 Form, can be granted if a child cannot be fully immunized due to medical reasons. In this case, the child's physician must state in writing the reasons for exemption based on valid clinical reasoning or evidence. The child’s physician must go in FL Shots and certify a permanent Medical Exemption (code #3) for the reasons for the exemption. Only the child’s physician can certify a code #3.
The DH 681 Form, Religious Exemption From Immunization, is issued upon written request of the parent of the student stating objections to the examination on religious grounds, if immunizations are in conflict with the religious tenets and practices of the child's parent or guardian. This exemption is issued by a County Health Department (CHD) and based on established religious beliefs or practices only.