This bill amends existing Florida statutes related to charter schools, specifically section 1002.33 and section 1011.801. It revises the application process for conversion charter schools, allowing a broader range of applicants, including municipalities seeking to establish job engine charter schools. The bill mandates that colleges or state universities provide written notice of denial when rejecting applications for conversion charter schools and specifies that a majority of parents must participate in the voting process for support. Additionally, it introduces the concept of job engine charter schools, which are designed to attract job-producing entities to municipalities, and outlines specific requirements for these schools, including annual reporting and career education opportunities.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits district school boards from charging rental or leasing fees for conversion schools and requires municipalities to negotiate such fees. It also expands the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program to include charter schools, allowing them to apply for grants to support career and technical education programs. The bill emphasizes the importance of these programs in responding to local economic development needs and prioritizes applications from job engine charter schools. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 140 c1: 1011.801
S 140 c2: 1011.801