TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Depending on who you ask, this week’s Special Session in Tallahassee is either about protecting medical freedom or it’s a political stunt on the taxpayer's dime.

What You Need To Know

The session, which could last all week, started Monday.

Republican lawmakers rallied against the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate, while Democrats said the special session was more about the governor‘s political ambitions than protecting Floridians from the pandemic.

Firefighters from all over Florida were among those at the Florida Capital Monday.

“We have firefighters from the panhandle, Miami, Central Florida, because we have served loyalty during this pandemic and it’s absolutely disgusting how we are being turned on,” said firefighter Wendy Williams.

Their message was simple to lawmakers inside: Protect the jobs of those who chose not to get vaccinated.

“Just a year ago they were parade celebrating us and now, all of a sudden, we’re not worthy to do the job because we’re not vaccinated. That’s absurd,” said another firefighter, Sam Eaton.

Republican leadership is poised to pass bills that would make Florida the first state to fine businesses that require vaccines without giving employees the ability to opt out.

“We’re here in special session because of the heavy-handed mandates by the Biden administration,” said House Speaker and Republican State Rep. Chris Sprowls. “Everyone out there is nervous about if they’re going to lose their jobs. We want options for employees, options for employers, a path to sanity.”

Democrats don’t have the votes to stop it, but they’re pushing back.

“I think what scares me the most is we’re here on the public's time to spread misinformation about vaccines,” said State Rep. Anna Eskamani (D, District 47).

They say the special session is just political theater for the governor.

“I really don’t know what (DeSantis is) doing,” said State Rep. Fentrice Driskell. “He seems more interested in fighting against President Joe Biden instead of fighting against the pandemic, so I actually don’t think these measures will do anything to help Floridians be safer.”

The debate that will play out at the capital for at least the next few days.

Under the proposals, if Florida businesses want to require vaccines, they’ll have to provide opt outs for their employees — including exemptions for pregnancy, religious reasons and natural immunity.

Another bill for up for consideration in the special session is regarding schools. Lawmakers are expected to strengthen the law, clarifying that only parents can make decisions on masks and vaccines.

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