By Lucy Marques, Tampa Bay Times

Florida colleges and universities may soon be the only ones in the country without vaccine mandates.

State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced a plan in early September to revoke all state vaccine requirements, a move that drew backlash from many medical professionals and Tampa Bay K-12 school leaders. State lawmakers would need to approve a complete rollback of vaccine requirements, but the Florida Department of Health can eliminate four not mandated by state law, which could take up to 80 days.

K-12 schools aren’t alone in managing the fallout. College campuses also face risks if vaccine mandates were to be withdrawn, medical experts said.

People are in close contact with one another on campuses, said Michael Teng, an associate professor at USF He

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