Committee removes $1,500 cap on chiropractic patient advances, citing small-business concerns

Senator Trumbull presented Senate Bill 192, which would repeal the statutory $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment.

Araceli Martinez, executive director of the Florida Chiropractic Society, testified in support and said the cap — added in 2012 — constrained small, often family-run chiropractic practices and lacked clear evidence of consumer protection benefits. Martinez told the committee patient-protection provisions in law remain unchanged under the bill, and that removing the cap allows doctors and patients flexibility in structuring care.

The committee unanimously reported the bill favorably. Sponsors and supporters characterized the change as a small-business relief measure that preserves consumer safeguards while removing a statutory dollar limit.

Next steps: SB 192 will move forward to subsequent committees for consideration.