The bill amends section 1006.15 of the Florida Statutes to enhance student participation in interscholastic and intrascholastic extracurricular sports. It establishes that any activity or sport must meet specific designation requirements as outlined in section 1006.205(3)(a). Additionally, it specifies the conditions under which home education students can participate in interscholastic athletics, including requirements for educational progress and residency. The bill also revises the criteria for private school students wishing to participate in sports at Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) member schools, removing previous limitations on non-FHSAA member private school students' eligibility.
Key changes include the deletion of provisions that restricted participation based on the type of private school and the introduction of new eligibility criteria for home education students, allowing them to join interscholastic athletic teams at public schools within their district, provided they meet certain conditions. The bill also mandates that private school students can participate in sports at public schools if their private school is not a member of the FHSAA or does not offer the desired sport. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.