End Florida's Free Kill Law: Dissolve Florida Statute 768​.​21(8)

The Issue

We, the undersigned, call upon Florida lawmakers to repeal Florida Statute 768.21(8), also known as the "Free Kill" law, which unjustly bars adult children and parents of adult children from seeking justice in wrongful death cases involving medical malpractice. This law devalues the lives of our loved ones, denies families their right to accountability, and undermines the basic principles of fairness and equality under the law.

The death of a loved one is one of the most painful experiences a family can endure, especially when that death is caused by medical malpractice. For too many Floridians, the grief of losing a family member is compounded by the harsh reality of Florida Statute 768.21(8), which prevents parents of unmarried, adult children and adult children of deceased parents from filing wrongful death claims in cases of medical negligence.

This statute creates an unjust barrier to accountability, effectively giving negligent medical providers a "free pass" in cases where the victim does not fit into the narrow legal definition of who can seek justice. Families who suffer devastating losses are left with no legal recourse, no acknowledgment of their pain, and no opportunity to hold those responsible accountable.

I know this pain personally. My brother, Sean, was a vibrant and loving person whose life was tragically cut short. His death revealed the devastating gaps in our justice system, as our family discovered that we were barred from seeking accountability due to this law. Sean was more than just an unmarried adult; he was my brother, my friend, a beloved son, and he was taken too soon. Florida Statute 768.21(8) told us his life didn’t matter in the eyes of the law, but we know better. His life mattered—just as the lives of countless others do.

This law denies equal protection under the law, discriminating against families based on the age and marital status of their loved ones.
It shields and protects negligent medical providers at the expense of grieving families. It ignores the financial and emotional bonds that exist between adult children and their parents. It also sends a message that certain lives are less valuable, undermining the principles of justice and accountability.
Every Floridian deserves a legal system that values and protects their loved ones equally. No family should be left powerless to seek justice for the wrongful death of their child, parent, or sibling simply because of arbitrary legal exclusions.

By signing this petition, you are demanding change. You are telling Florida lawmakers that it is time to repeal this unjust statute and restore fairness and accountability to our state’s legal system. Let’s end Florida’s "Free Kill" law and honor the lives of those we’ve lost by ensuring no family is left without a voice.

What You Can Do:

Sign this petition to show your support for repealing Florida Statute 768.21(8).

Together, we can make a difference. Let’s stand up for justice, accountability, and the value of every life. Sean should still be here with us. I fought for him during his life, so I will continue to fight for him even after his death. Please, share this petition with your friends, family, and community to raise awareness of this critical issue. Contact your state representatives and demand that they take action to dissolve this harmful law.

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The Issue

We, the undersigned, call upon Florida lawmakers to repeal Florida Statute 768.21(8), also known as the "Free Kill" law, which unjustly bars adult children and parents of adult children from seeking justice in wrongful death cases involving medical malpractice. This law devalues the lives of our loved ones, denies families their right to accountability, and undermines the basic principles of fairness and equality under the law.

The death of a loved one is one of the most painful experiences a family can endure, especially when that death is caused by medical malpractice. For too many Floridians, the grief of losing a family member is compounded by the harsh reality of Florida Statute 768.21(8), which prevents parents of unmarried, adult children and adult children of deceased parents from filing wrongful death claims in cases of medical negligence.

This statute creates an unjust barrier to accountability, effectively giving negligent medical providers a "free pass" in cases where the victim does not fit into the narrow legal definition of who can seek justice. Families who suffer devastating losses are left with no legal recourse, no acknowledgment of their pain, and no opportunity to hold those responsible accountable.

I know this pain personally. My brother, Sean, was a vibrant and loving person whose life was tragically cut short. His death revealed the devastating gaps in our justice system, as our family discovered that we were barred from seeking accountability due to this law. Sean was more than just an unmarried adult; he was my brother, my friend, a beloved son, and he was taken too soon. Florida Statute 768.21(8) told us his life didn’t matter in the eyes of the law, but we know better. His life mattered—just as the lives of countless others do.

This law denies equal protection under the law, discriminating against families based on the age and marital status of their loved ones.
It shields and protects negligent medical providers at the expense of grieving families. It ignores the financial and emotional bonds that exist between adult children and their parents. It also sends a message that certain lives are less valuable, undermining the principles of justice and accountability.
Every Floridian deserves a legal system that values and protects their loved ones equally. No family should be left powerless to seek justice for the wrongful death of their child, parent, or sibling simply because of arbitrary legal exclusions.

By signing this petition, you are demanding change. You are telling Florida lawmakers that it is time to repeal this unjust statute and restore fairness and accountability to our state’s legal system. Let’s end Florida’s "Free Kill" law and honor the lives of those we’ve lost by ensuring no family is left without a voice.

What You Can Do:

Sign this petition to show your support for repealing Florida Statute 768.21(8).

Together, we can make a difference. Let’s stand up for justice, accountability, and the value of every life. Sean should still be here with us. I fought for him during his life, so I will continue to fight for him even after his death. Please, share this petition with your friends, family, and community to raise awareness of this critical issue. Contact your state representatives and demand that they take action to dissolve this harmful law.

The Decision Makers

Clay Yarborough
Former State House of Representatives - Florida-12
Lauren Book
Former State Senate - Florida-32
Johanna Lopez
Johanna Lopez

Supporter Voices

Petition updates