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Bill

SB 1354

Behavioral Health Managing Entities

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jay Trumbull

Florida establishes Behavioral Health Managing Entities to coordinate statewide mental health and substance abuse services under unified regional systems.

Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/CS/HB 633 (Ch. 2025-137)
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Bill Summary · SB 1354

Legislative bill overview

SB 1354 establishes a framework for Behavioral Health Managing Entities (BHMEs) in Florida to coordinate and deliver mental health and substance abuse services. The bill was effectively superseded by its companion House bill (CS/CS/HB 633), which was passed and enacted into law (Chapter 2025-137).

Why is this important

Behavioral health managing entities would consolidate fragmented mental health and addiction treatment services under coordinated regional entities, potentially improving access and outcomes for Floridians struggling with mental illness and substance use disorders. This represents a significant restructuring of how Florida organizes and finances behavioral health services across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Provider integration challenges: Consolidating multiple independent behavioral health providers into managing entities could face resistance from existing organizations concerned about loss of autonomy or operational control
  • Funding and financial responsibility: Questions about how BHMEs are funded, whether existing resources are redistributed, and which entities bear financial risk for service delivery
  • Regional equity: Ensuring that rural and underserved areas receive adequate behavioral health resources and services under the new BHME structure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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