Florida Expands Behavioral Health Services, Launches Jail Diversion Initiatives 

On June 25, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two bills aimed at expanding mental health and addiction services—introducing new funding, workforce development incentives, and diversion pathways. Senate Bill (SB) 1620 implements recommendations made by Florida’s Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder. SB 168, the “Tristin Murphy Act,” creates new diversion pathways for people with mental illnesses when diversion is a feasible alternative to incarceration.;

SB 1620 implements key recommendations made by Florida’s Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder in its January 1, 2025, annual interim report. The provisions of SB 1620 . . .