Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, June 16, 2026 —

Florida Launches Innovative Newborn Screening Program Using Whole Genome Sequencing

Florida has initiated the Sunshine Genetics Newborn Screening Program, a pioneering effort to provide whole genome sequencing for newborns. This program aims to identify serious diseases in infants before the onset of any symptoms.

Tampa General Hospital will serve as the initial launch site for this initiative. Following this, expansions are planned for Orlando and Miami later in the year. A comprehensive statewide rollout is anticipated to occur over the next five years.

The program is a result of HB 907, also known as the Sunshine Genetics Act. This legislation significantly broadens Florida’s newborn screening capabilities, increasing the number of detectable conditions from approximately 60 to nearly 900.

Participation in the Sunshine Genetics Newborn Screening Program is voluntary and offered at no cost to families. The program was developed in collaboration with GeneDx, a company specializing in genomic medicine.

Story summarized from the original created by Peter Schorsch on floridapolitics.com, see more information here.

Media gallery