Patient Funds Held in Trust by Chiropractic Physicians

New rules for money held by chiropractors

Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida removes the $1,500 cap on examination or treatment advances held in trust by chiropractors. The law does not require patients to pay advances, but allows chiropractors to hold more of their money. Money entrusted for a specific purpose must still stay in trust and serve only that purpose. Chiropractors cannot use patient funds to offset fees the patient owes. Patient money other than cost and expense advances must go into identifiable bank accounts in the chiropractor’s office state. Trust accounts may also contain enough money for bank charges and money partly owned by the chiropractor. Chiropractors can withdraw their share when due, but disputed amounts must remain until the dispute is finally resolved. Chiropractors must keep complete records of patient money, securities, and other property, and provide accounts to patients. They must promptly return money or property patients are entitled to receive when requested. Failing to keep patient funds and property separately identifiable is grounds for discipline when their value exceeds $501. Fee disputes alone do not justify discipline unless the demand is clearly excessive, extortionate, or fraudulent.