Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida veterinary practices will be required to inform clients of their right to receive a written prescription that can be filled at the pharmacy of their choice. The Florida veterinary prescription law, HB 89, is designed to increase transparency and ensure pet owners are aware of their options when obtaining medications for their pets.
While the law does not fundamentally change how veterinarians prescribe medications, it does introduce new disclosure, documentation, and signage requirements that practices should understand before the effective date.
What Does the New Law Require?
Under HB 89, veterinarians or authorized veterinary staff must:
- Inform clients of their right to receive a written prescription that can be filled at the pharmacy of their choice.
- Inform clients if the veterinary practice is also able to fill the prescription.
- Obtain and document a one-time signed acknowledgment from the client confirming they were informed of their prescription options.
- Maintain documentation in the patient's medical record.
- Display signage informing clients of their prescription options.
The law applies to both in-person visits and veterinary telehealth encounters, although the disclosure method may vary depending on the setting.
What Doesn't Change?
One common misconception is that Florida's new law requires veterinarians to communicate directly with online, retail, or third-party pharmacies.
It does not.
The law gives pet owners the right to receive a written prescription and choose where it is filled, but it does not require veterinary practices to transmit prescriptions to a specific pharmacy, communicate directly with pharmacies, or adopt electronic prescribing.
Veterinarians may continue providing written prescriptions, and pet owners may take those prescriptions to the pharmacy of their choice.
The law focuses on transparency and client choice, not on changing how veterinary practices prescribe or fulfill medications.
Why This Matters
For many pet owners, prescription fulfillment has become increasingly complex. Medications may be filled through veterinary practices, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, or compounding pharmacies.
As practices discuss these options more frequently with clients, prescription workflows will become an even more visible part of the overall patient experience.
Importantly, the law does not require veterinary practices to establish direct relationships with retail, online, or third-party pharmacies. Instead, it ensures pet owners are informed of their options and can choose where they would like their pet's prescription filled.
Whether a prescription is written, faxed, called in, or transmitted electronically, the goal remains the same: helping pets receive the medications they need as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Looking Ahead
Florida's new veterinary prescription law is ultimately about transparency and client choice.
While practices are not required to change how they prescribe medications or communicate with pharmacies, many may see an increase in prescription requests being filled through retail, online, and other third-party pharmacy channels as pet owners become more aware of their options.
As those prescription pathways expand, efficient communication and connectivity between veterinary practices, pharmacies, and pet owners will become increasingly important to maintaining a positive client experience and helping pets receive the medications they need.
While Florida's new law does not require electronic prescribing, many practices are beginning to explore digital prescribing workflows as a way to reduce administrative burden, improve visibility, and streamline communication throughout the prescription journey.
At VetWay, we believe better connectivity between practices, pharmacies, and pet owners can help reduce friction throughout the prescribing process, improve visibility across prescription workflows, and create a better experience for everyone involved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does Florida's new veterinary prescription law take effect?
The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.
What is HB 89?
HB 89 is a Florida law designed to increase transparency around veterinary prescriptions by requiring practices to inform pet owners of their right to receive a written prescription and choose where it is filled.
Are veterinarians required to provide a written prescription?
Veterinarians must inform clients of their right to receive a written prescription. The law ensures clients are aware of their options and can request a written prescription to be filled at the pharmacy of their choice.
Does the law require veterinarians to communicate directly with retail, online, or third-party pharmacies?
No. The law requires veterinary practices to inform clients of their right to receive a written prescription and choose where it is filled. It does not require veterinarians to communicate directly with pharmacies, establish relationships with specific pharmacy providers, or change their existing prescribing workflow.
Does the law require veterinarians to ePrescribe?
No. Florida's new veterinary prescription law does not require electronic prescribing. Veterinarians may continue providing written prescriptions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Does the law apply to telehealth appointments?
Yes. The law applies to veterinary telehealth encounters as well as in-person visits, although the method of disclosure may vary.
Can pet owners choose any pharmacy to fill a veterinary prescription?
Pet owners have the right to receive a written prescription and choose where they would like it filled, subject to applicable pharmacy policies and legal requirements.
Do veterinarians have to send prescriptions directly to pharmacies?
No. The law does not require veterinarians to transmit prescriptions directly to retail, online, or third-party pharmacies.
Are there any exceptions?
Certain exceptions may apply under the law, including specific circumstances involving emergency situations or other situations outlined in the legislation. Practices should review the full text of HB 89 and consult legal counsel regarding compliance requirements.
Why was this law created?
The legislation was designed to increase transparency and ensure pet owners are aware of their ability to choose where their pet's prescriptions are filled.