The proposal to begin phasing out all childhood vaccine mandates in the Sunshine State has sparked heated debate across South Florida, where parents, teachers and health officials worry about the potential impact on schools and community health.

"I think as parents we should have that choice to choose (if children get vaccines) and the state should not dictate about that," said Anmarie Budraj, a South Florida health care professional with a middle school son. "I think it should be parents' preferences to actually make that decision and not the state."

Budraj, however, opposes eliminating all vaccine mandates, saying it would be "very controversial" and could put children at risk.

Miami-Dade school leaders, teachers voice concern

Critics, including Miami-Dade County School Board mem

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