This bill amends existing Florida statutes to include nonpublic religious postsecondary educational institutions under the jurisdiction of the Commission for Independent Education, thereby removing their previous exemption from licensure. Specifically, it deletes the provision that allowed religious colleges to operate without governmental oversight and introduces new requirements for these institutions to verify compliance with educational standards. The bill creates a new section, 1005.12, which outlines the legislative intent to protect the integrity of degrees and credentials offered by these institutions. It mandates that nonpublic religious postsecondary educational institutions provide a sworn affidavit annually to the commission, detailing their compliance with specific educational and consumer practice standards.

Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for the commission to verify compliance through various methods, including cooperation with religious nongovernmental education associations. Institutions that fail to comply with the new requirements will be subject to penalties, including the potential for criminal charges against individuals who submit false affidavits. The bill also includes amendments to several other sections of Florida statutes to conform cross-references and provisions to the changes made by this act. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 46 Filed: 1005.06, 553.865, 1005.03, 1005.04, 1005.21