Florida boasts 13 of nation’s top-rated maternity hospitals
Florida is home to 13 hospitals recognized among the nation’s best for maternity care in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings, with five singled out as essential providers in communities at risk of becoming “maternity care deserts.” The goal of the rankings, in their fifth year, is to help expectant parents make informed decisions in consultation with their prenatal care providers, according to U.S. News. [Source: WUSF]
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» Florida hospitals shine on Forbes' inaugural Top 100 list, with 11 earning five-star ratings
Florida Trend Exclusive
Panhandle program
Like other rapidly growing states, Florida is experiencing a significant and ongoing nursing shortage. Nursing schools around the state are addressing this concern, standing up a variety of accelerated and innovative health care training programs. Many of these programs cater to older professionals in other fields wanting to make a career change and to younger students looking for affordable and fast-paced online programs. With over 500 students enrolled, the University of West Florida’s School of Nursing is the largest program in the Panhandle. [Source: Florida Trend]
Bills would expand health care providers’ right to sue under 2023 medical conscience objection law
Health care providers and insurers in Florida could opt out of providing or paying for health care services, such as abortion, that violate their conscience and under a 2023 state law, they cannot be sued in court for denying the care based on their beliefs. Two Northeast Florida Republicans have filed bills that would allow those health care providers and insurance companies to file lawsuits for damages, injunctive relief and attorneys fees for adverse action taken against them for exercising their medical conscience rights. [Source: Florida Politics]
Florida doctors warn of tougher flu season, low vaccination rates
Flu activity is rising nationwide — including across Florida — and health officials say low vaccination rates may contribute to a more severe season. Dr. Michael Sparks of Sparks MD Family Medicine said clinics are seeing an early surge in cases affecting both children and adults. "We are off to a rough start," he said, noting that infections appeared to "go from zero to 100 very quickly." [Source: Fox 35 Orlando]
Florida reports more cases of Vibrio vulnificus 'flesh-eating bacteria'
Two more cases of Vibrio vulnificus, the horrific infection nicknamed the "flesh-eating" bacteria, have been reported according to the latest data from the Florida Department of Health. The new cases were in Lee and Nassau counties, a Friday, Dec. 5 update reported, bringing the yearly listed statewide total to 33. Five people have reportedly died from Vibrio vulnificus so far this year. The deaths occurred in Bay County, Broward County, Hillsborough County and St. John’s County, according to FDOH data. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Mobile health clinic offers vital care to underserved communities in Florida's Gulf Coast
Nearly 27 million people in the United States live without health insurance, often forced to choose between health care and basic necessities, but Deanie Singh's mobile health clinic is providing a solution for underserved communities. Singh purchased a bus on eBay and transformed it into the Premier Mobile Health Clinic, which now travels around the Gulf Coast, providing medical care to those who cannot afford or access it.
› Jacksonville eye surgeon envisions growth in the city's medical tourism
Dr. Arun Gulani considers vision a gift that all should enjoy. The Jacksonville ophthalmologist , who has served people from nearly 100 countries, is part of the growing medical tourism industry. Last Friday, Gulani brought some of his patients from Honduras and Mexico to Jacksonville as part of a community exhibition of an eye surgery center that received a patent in 2020.
› Orange County gym says tests show it is free of Legionnaires' disease
A Crunch Fitness facility in an Orlando suburb says it's free of Legionnaires' disease. On Monday, a representative of the facility told Central Florida Public Media that the Florida Department of Health had collected 40 samples of water from different places at the gym – all of which tested negative for the bacteria that cause Legionnaires'. Last week, reports of a Legionnaires' disease outbreak surfaced in Orange County. The Florida Department of Health reported 25 cases throughout November.
› Tennessee investor pays $13 million for Fort Myers medical office
Montecito Medical Real Estate, a Nashville investment firm specializing in health care properties, has bought an office building in Fort Myers’ Hope Preserve. The 27,267-square-foot building at 14551 Hope Center Loop sold for $13.12 million. LSI Cos., which brokered the deal, says it is fully occupied. Hope Preserve is a newly developed medical hub near Gulf Coast Hospital in Lee County.