Nearly 140 new Florida laws took effect on July 1, including several involving schools and early learning programs.
Here’s a look at some of the new education laws now in effect across the state:
CS/HB 453: Requirements for a Standard High School Diploma
The bill summary said two years of marching band now satisfy both the physical education and the performing arts requirements for a standard high school diploma.
The law also said students with disabilities can participate in the Special Olympics to satisfy the PE requirement.
The bill summary said public schools are required to teach cursive in grades 3-5. The law also "requires, subject to appropriation, that portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln be displayed in a conspicuous place in each public school in the district."
SB 182 also establishes a statewide teacher mentoring program, updates the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship rules and protects charter school students from academic dismissal during school improvement plans.
CS/HB 561 — Educator Preparation and Certification
The law updates Florida’s teacher certification process by authorizing educator institutes to enroll teachers before they are eligible for certification and to issue temporary teaching certificates to teachers whose certificates have expired.
CS/HB 561 also revises certificate reinstatement requirements, updates professional learning requirements for educators, and renames USF’s Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning.
CS/CS/SB 178: Athletics in Public K-12 Schools
The law allows coaches to use personal funds to support student-athletes and requires parental consent before coaches provide financial assistance.
HB 178 also caps coaches’ personal contributions at $15,000 per team each year and requires coaches to report personal financial assistance to the FHSAA.
SB 1690: Child Care and Early Learning Services
The law updates Florida’s child care and early learning programs by expanding child care licensing and reporting requirements and updating rules for family child care homes.
SB 1690 also creates the Florida Child Care Fund and establishes a professional recognition system for early learning educators.
CS/SB 1246: Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund
The law expands Florida’s Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Fund and revises matching fund requirements.
To read the complete list of news laws lawmakers passed this year with a July effective date, click here.
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