TAMPA, Fla. — In a move that goes against federal guidance, the Florida Department of Health on Wednesday released guidelines that advise no treatment of gender dysphoria for children and teenagers outside of counseling.
The state’s guidance advises against gender-affirming treatment for people under the age of 18, including surgery as well as the prescription of hormone therapy or puberty blockers, which suppress the release of testosterone or estrogen.
Florida’s updated guidance also said social transition — things like using a different name, pronouns or style of dress — should not be a treatment option.
