The bill amends Florida Statutes to change the regulatory framework for nonpublic religious postsecondary educational institutions. It removes religious colleges from the list of institutions exempt from the jurisdiction of the Commission for Independent Education, thereby subjecting them to new compliance requirements. Specifically, the bill creates a new section, 1005.12, which mandates that these institutions provide a sworn affidavit annually to the commission, detailing their compliance with educational standards and consumer practices. The commission is tasked with issuing a written notice of exemption from licensure to compliant institutions and has the authority to verify compliance through various methods, including cooperation with religious nongovernmental education associations.

Additionally, the bill outlines consequences for noncompliance, requiring institutions to either correct deficiencies, apply for a license, or cease operations within a specified timeframe. It also establishes criminal penalties for individuals who submit false affidavits. The bill includes several amendments to existing statutes to align with these changes, ensuring that the definitions and requirements for educational institutions reflect the new regulatory landscape. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 125 Filed: 1005.06, 553.865, 1005.03, 1005.04, 1005.21