The state of Florida is attempting to create a mandate for all incoming college freshmen. The new mandate will require the new students be covered by health insurance. Florida is also trying to extend insurance coverage to the age of 25. The age extension is for those who are no longer dependents of their parents but still need health coverage. Florida is not the first state to adopt these requirements. New York, Massachusetts, and Idaho have adopted the mandate for college students to be covered by health insurance. The University of Florida and Florida State University already require incoming freshman to have insurance. By enforcing the new mandate, 25,000 students will be affected in the state of Florida.

The state of Florida's coverage varies greatly based on your location. In certain areas, such as Miami, the cost of health insurance can become very expensive. The state plans to set up "hardship waivers" for students who cannot afford coverage.

About 1 in 4 Floridians lack health insurance coverage. The state mandate for college students will help young citizens of the state realize how important health insurance is. Since many students have accumulated close to $100,000 of debt after four years of college, health coverage can help prevent college students from building more debt from hospital bills.