The bill amends section 121.091 of the Florida Statutes to remove the time limitation for participation in the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) for certain school employees, specifically instructional personnel, administrative personnel, and educational support employees. The new language allows these employees to extend their DROP participation beyond the previous maximum of 96 calendar months without the constraints that previously required their termination date to align with the end of the school year. The bill also clarifies the definitions of eligible personnel and establishes that the participation in DROP does not guarantee continued employment.

Additionally, the bill includes a declaration of important state interest, emphasizing the need for fair and adequate retirement benefits for state employees and their beneficiaries, which must be managed in an actuarially sound manner. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 395 Filed: 121.091