SUNSHINE GENETICS
Florida’s Sunshine Genetics Act puts
BABIES FIRST!
Together, we can help ensure that every child in Florida has access to the best possible start in life, powered by the science of genomics. This program is part of a bold new vision; making Florida a national leader in the pediatric precision medicine where care is personalized, preventative, and powered by genomics.
The Sunshine Genetics Program is a voluntary research program using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) as an additional newborn screening tool. This genomic newborn screening program can help identify certain rare, actionable genetic conditions earlier in life, offering families the choice to learn additional information about their child that can empower them to plan next steps sooner.
Sunshine Genetics will use whole genome sequencing to screen healthy newborns in Florida for over 750 genetic conditions, the majority of which are notcurrently screened as part of standard or traditional newborn screening .
Sunshine Genetics has adopted a tier 1 condition list from the BEACONS study and is currently developing a tier 2, with additional gene-conditions. The BEACONS gene list includes 106 conditions that could be detected on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) . All conditions included in the BEACONS list begin in infancy or early childhood and have effective treatments or medical actions.
We welcome your suggestions for additional gene-conditions in tier 2, provided they are not already listed in tier 1. All conditions being considered for inclusion in tier 2 will have a pediatric onset (age < 18 years) and will have effective treatments or medical actions including but not limited to surveillance guidelines, contraindications, and behavioral interventions.
Our gene-condition lists are dynamically evolving and please watch this space for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is Sunshine Genetics different from standard newborn screening (NBS)?
Standard newborn screening uses a heel-prick blood sample to screen for 60 conditions in Florida. Newborn screening is part of the standard of care for all newborns born in the state of Florida. You can read more about the program here .
The Sunshine Genetics Program:
- Is an opt-in research program
- Screens a baby’s DNA, using whole genome sequencing, for over 750 rare genetic conditions
- Does not replace standard newborn screening
- If families choose not to participate, their baby will still receive routine newborn screening
Who can participate?
Enrollment has not begun, information will be coming soon. The Sunshine Genetics Program is for babies born in the State of Florida and residing in Florida.
Participation is optional, and biological parents or legal guardians must provide informed consent.
What happens if a family participates?
- A previously collected newborn heel-prick blood sample will be used
- The baby’s DNA will be analyzed for a defined list of genetic conditions
- Families are notified if a condition is suspected or if additional follow-up is needed
What kinds of genetic conditions are included?
Please review our “Gene-Conditions”tab.
Can parents choose which conditions are screened?
The study uses a predefined condition list to ensure consistency, accuracy, and research integrity. Tier 1 is not optional, but you may opt-in to Tier 2. However, our gene lists are dynamic and will evolve over time. Please refer to our “Gene-Conditions” tab for more information.
Can families withdraw consent later?
Yes. Parents may withdraw consent for future data use at any time, according to study policies.
First Formal Sunshine Genetics Steering Committee
(Oct. 10, 2025)
Sunshine Genetics Act News Conference
(July 9, 2025)
This is a collaborative effort between the State of Florida and Florida’s universities, hospitals, and genetic experts across the country and the world to provide families with the best care and resources from the start.
Contact Us
If you have any other questions, please reach out to us at sunshinegenetics@med.fsu.edu