11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

The denial means the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapy for children with gender dysphoria will remain restricted while the federal appeals court considers an underlying case.

Spektrum Health was prepared to adjust how it provides care for when Florida’s ban on transgender therapies returned.

Tampa-based U.S. District Judge William Jung issued an injunction in July to halt the rule, which was designed to help prevent discrimination in health care programs that receive federal money.

The stay means the state's restrictions on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors with gender dysphoria can be in effect while the Atlanta-based court considers an underlying appeal.

The decision could be important for a legal battle over a Florida law that prevents minors from receiving hormone therapy and puberty blockers to treat gender dysphoria.

A district judge in June said Florida's law restricting access to gender-affirming care was unconstitutional. Lawyers for plaintiffs and their families say even a temporary rollback on that decision is "devastating."

The ruling effectively means the restrictions on puberty blockers and hormonal treatments for children and adults can take effect while the appeals court considers an underlying appeal.

Attorneys for the state filed a 36-page motion at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals seeking a stay of a district judge ruling that blocked restrictions imposed last year.

The judge dismissed the state's lawsuit against two federal agencies and said the case should instead be an administrative challenge. Next stop is the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta.

Lawyers for the state filed a notice that is a first step in asking the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle's decision. The state also filed a motion seeking a stay.