This bill amends existing Florida statutes regarding the start times for middle and high schools. It removes the requirement for district school boards to adopt policies that dictate specific start times for these schools, including the stipulation that middle schools cannot start earlier than 8 a.m. and high schools no earlier than 8:30 a.m. Additionally, the bill eliminates the obligation for school boards to inform the community about the impacts of sleep deprivation on students and the benefits of later start times, as well as to discuss strategies for implementing these changes.

Furthermore, the bill also amends the regulations for charter schools by removing the requirement for them to comply with the same start time regulations that apply to district schools. This change allows charter schools greater flexibility in determining their operational schedules. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 296 Filed: 1001.42, 1002.33