Florida Religious Exemption Form Explained: Protecting Religious Freedom Under State Law

Introduction: Faith, Freedom, and Florida Law

In Florida, personal faith and public health often intersect in complex ways. Whether for a child entering school or an employee facing workplace mandates, the Florida Religious Exemption Form (DH 681) provides a legal pathway to opt out of medical or vaccine requirements based on sincerely held religious beliefs.

This right is protected by the Florida Constitution, state statutes, and federal law. Understanding how to properly request and manage a religious exemption is essential for individuals, employers, and healthcare providers navigating Florida’s evolving regulatory landscape in 2025.

What Is the Florida Religious Exemption Form (DH 681)?

The Florida Religious Exemption Form, officially known as Form DH 681, allows individuals—primarily parents—to decline school-required immunizations for their children on the basis of religious belief.

Issued by the Florida Department of Health (DOH), it ensures that those with sincere religious objections are not penalized or denied access to education, provided the form is properly submitted.

However, the concept extends beyond schools. Employers, healthcare facilities, and state-licensed entities must also recognize and review religious accommodation requests for employees under both state and federal law.

The Florida Religious Exemption Form ultimately protects not just health choices, but constitutional religious freedom.

Legal Foundation of Religious Exemptions in Florida

Florida’s legal system strongly defends the freedom of religion. The right to refuse medical procedures or immunizations based on religious belief rests on several pillars:

1. Florida Constitution – Article I, Section 3

This section guarantees that every person has the right to freedom of religion and that no law shall substantially burden the free exercise of faith unless it serves a compelling public purpose.

2. Florida Statute §1003.22(5)

This statute authorizes the Department of Health to issue religious exemptions from required immunizations. Once issued, schools must accept the DH 681 form as valid proof of exemption—no additional documentation or justification can be demanded.

3. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (1964)

At the federal level, Title VII protects employees from religious discrimination. Employers are legally required to reasonably accommodate sincerely held religious beliefs unless doing so creates an undue hardship.

4. Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA)

This federal act ensures that religious exercise cannot be substantially burdened without compelling justification, reinforcing Florida’s own protections for religious liberty.

Together, these laws form the legal backbone of the Florida Religious Exemption process.

Who Qualifies for a Religious Exemption in Florida?

You may qualify for a religious exemption if you are:

• A parent or guardian who objects to school-required vaccinations.

• A student enrolled in a Florida university or childcare program requiring immunization.

• An employee whose workplace mandates vaccines or medical testing contrary to your faith.

• A healthcare worker requesting accommodation from institutional policies.

In all cases, the exemption must stem from sincere religious conviction, not personal, philosophical, or political opinions.

Step-by-Step: How to Obtain the Florida Religious Exemption Form (DH 681)

Step 1: Visit Your Local County Health Department

Form DH 681 is not downloadable online. You must visit your county health department in person to request it.

Step 2: Declare Your Religious Belief

When requesting the exemption, simply state that your objection is based on sincerely held religious beliefs. The Department of Health cannot ask for written proof, letters from clergy, or personal explanations.

Step 3: Complete and Sign Form DH 681

Once issued, sign the Religious Exemption from Immunization Form (DH 681). It officially documents your exemption and must be provided to the relevant institution.

Step 4: Submit to Your School or Childcare Facility

Submit the completed form to your child’s school or childcare center. Florida law requires that institutions accept the DH 681 form as valid documentation.

Always keep a personal copy of the signed form. It remains valid indefinitely unless revoked or replaced by new legislation.

Religious Exemption Rights for Employees and Healthcare Workers

Religious exemptions are not limited to parents or students—employees, including those in healthcare settings, also hold these rights under Title VII.

How to Request an Exemption

An employee seeking an exemption should:

1. Submit a written statement to their employer explaining the religious nature of their objection.

2. Identify the specific policy or mandate they are objecting to.

3. Request a reasonable accommodation—such as masking, testing, or reassignment.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers must:

• Evaluate each request individually and without bias.

• Avoid retaliation or discrimination.

• Document all decisions and justifications.

When an Exemption Can Be Denied

An employer can lawfully deny an exemption if:

• The belief is not sincerely religious in nature.

• Granting it would cause undue hardship or violate public safety standards.

Employers should always consult legal counsel before denying or modifying exemption requests.

Healthcare Industry Compliance: Legal and Ethical Balance

For healthcare facilities under the oversight of the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), managing religious exemptions requires precision and compliance.

Key Legal Expectations

• Maintain a written religious accommodation policy.

• Provide training for HR and compliance teams.

• Document every request, decision, and accommodation.

• Balance religious freedom with infection control protocols.

Non-compliance can lead to civil penalties, investigations, or loss of certification. Consulting a healthcare attorney ensures that policies remain lawful and defensible.

Ethical Considerations in Religious Exemptions

The DH 681 form represents more than a legal document—it symbolizes Florida’s effort to balance individual faith and collective safety.

However, misuse of exemptions or misunderstanding the law can lead to serious consequences. Submitting false claims of religious belief can result in denial or legal penalties. Employers who mishandle exemption requests risk discrimination complaints or litigation.

Therefore, it is critical for both individuals and organizations to act in good faith, document their actions, and seek legal guidance when needed.

DH 681 Form: Key Legal Facts

Category	Details
Form Name	Religious Exemption from Immunization (DH 681)
Issued By	Florida Department of Health
Applies To	School-aged children, daycare students
Legal Basis	Florida Statute §1003.22(5)
Proof of Religion Required	No
Validity	Indefinite unless revoked
Accepted By	All public and private schools in Florida

Recent Legal Trends in Religious Exemptions (2023–2025)

• Increased Employee Requests: Post-pandemic, exemption requests in healthcare and education have risen sharply.

• Court Emphasis on Sincerity: Florida courts now focus on whether objections stem from genuine religious belief rather than personal choice.

• Employer Liability: Improper denials can lead to discrimination claims under Title VII.

• Compliance Oversight: AHCA and CMS audits now include religious accommodation documentation during inspections.

These developments underscore the importance of legal precision and proactive policy management.

Best Practices for 2025

For Individuals

• Keep copies of all exemption forms.

• Clearly state the religious basis for your belief.

• Seek legal guidance if an exemption is denied.

For Employers

• Maintain a written religious accommodation policy.

• Evaluate requests individually and fairly.

• Keep detailed records of all communications.

For Schools and Childcare Facilities

• Accept valid DH 681 forms as required by law.

• Train staff on Florida’s religious exemption policies.

• Retain proper documentation for compliance audits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does the Florida Religious Exemption Form (DH 681) do?
It allows parents or guardians to exempt their children from school immunization requirements based on sincerely held religious beliefs.

2. Can employers in Florida deny religious exemption requests?
Yes, but only if accommodating the request creates undue hardship or safety risks, and the decision must be well-documented.

3. How long is the DH 681 form valid?
Indefinitely, unless revoked or modified by the Department of Health.

4. Is proof of religion required to get DH 681?
No. Florida law prohibits requiring letters or proof from religious authorities.

5. What should I do if my exemption is denied?
You may request an internal appeal, contact the EEOC, or seek legal advice from a healthcare law attorney.

Conclusion: Safeguarding Religious Rights and Legal Compliance

The Florida Religious Exemption Form (DH 681) serves as a cornerstone of the state’s commitment to religious freedom. It allows individuals to exercise faith-based medical choices while maintaining compliance with state and federal law.

For parents, it protects their right to guide their children’s health decisions. For employers and healthcare organizations, it requires careful adherence to legal obligations and consistent, documented processes.

By balancing faith and compliance, Florida continues to uphold its long-standing values of personal liberty, public safety, and legal integrity.