Florida

Breastfeeding in Florida

Breastfeeding in Florida is supported by various laws, programs, and resources designed to ensure that parents can safely and comfortably breastfeed their infants at home, at work, or in public spaces.

Legal Protections for Breastfeeding

Exemptions from Public Indecency Laws and Jury Duty

In Florida, parents have the legal right to breastfeed in any public or private location. The state law provides specific exemptions from public indecency laws for breastfeeding mothers, ensuring that they are not harassed or penalized for nursing in public spaces. Additionally, mothers are exempt from jury duty if breastfeeding a child under the age of 6 months. Learn more about Florida's breastfeeding laws.

Right to Breastfeed in Public

Florida’s breastfeeding laws specifically state that breastfeeding is permitted in any public or private location where the mother is otherwise authorized to be. This means mothers are free to breastfeed in restaurants, stores, public transportation, and other locations without fear of legal repercussions.

Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding

While Florida does not have additional state-specific protections for breastfeeding at work, under federal law (Fair Labor Standards Act - FLSA), employers are required to provide reasonable break times and a private space (not a bathroom) for employees to express breast milk. This helps ensure that breastfeeding employees can pump milk during the workday without undue difficulty or discomfort. Learn more about workplace protections.

Support for Breastfeeding Families

Florida Breastfeeding Coalition (FBC)

The Florida Breastfeeding Coalition is a nonprofit organization that promotes and supports breastfeeding throughout the state. The FBC offers education, resources, and advocacy to overcome barriers to breastfeeding, including outreach to underserved and rural communities.

WIC Program

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Florida offers nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant, postpartum mothers, infants, and children. WIC provides education on breastfeeding, counseling, and breastfeeding supplies such as breast pumps to support mothers in their breastfeeding journey.

Lactation Support and Consultants

Many hospitals and clinics in Florida offer lactation consultant services. These professionals provide one-on-one guidance on breastfeeding, helping mothers with challenges such as latch issues, positioning, and milk supply concerns.

Breastfeeding in Rural and Remote Communities

Telehealth and Mobile Support

Although Florida is a largely urban state, there are still rural and remote areas that benefit from telehealth services. Lactation support through telehealth helps mothers in more isolated regions access expert advice on breastfeeding without needing to travel. The Florida Telehealth Network helps facilitate these services for residents in rural communities.

Local Resources and Peer Support

Many rural communities and underserved areas in Florida have local support groups for breastfeeding mothers. These groups offer peer counseling and provide a sense of community and support for new mothers. Additionally, some Indigenous and minority communities in Florida may have culturally relevant breastfeeding programs to better serve their specific needs.

Education and Awareness

Florida offers numerous educational programs to support breastfeeding, including hospital-based classes, community programs, and online resources. These programs are designed to help prepare new parents for the challenges of breastfeeding and to provide continued support as they navigate their breastfeeding journey. Local clinics and healthcare centers also provide free materials and counseling for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women. Learn more about Florida’s breastfeeding education resources.

For more information on available resources and locations of breastfeeding support in Florida, parents can visit the Florida Department of Health’s website or the Florida Breastfeeding Coalition.