House Bill 443 amends Florida's charter school laws to enhance operational flexibility and accountability for charter schools. Key provisions include prohibiting sponsors from imposing administrative deadlines on charter schools that are earlier than their own, ensuring that financial audit deadlines for charter schools are at least 15 days before the sponsor's deadlines. The bill allows charter schools to increase their enrollment capacity under certain conditions and mandates that sponsors cannot impose unreasonable limitations on student enrollment below documented facility capacity. Additionally, it introduces new grounds for nonrenewal or termination of a charter and allows charter school governing boards to adopt their own codes of student conduct.

The bill also emphasizes compliance with student welfare provisions and revises background screening requirements for charter school employees and governing board members. It establishes a right of first refusal for charter schools regarding the disposal of real property by school districts and outlines necessary actions for such disposals. Furthermore, it allows charter schools operated by municipalities or public entities to obtain charters for up to 15 years, subject to sponsor approval, and streamlines the charter application and renewal process. Overall, HB 443 aims to provide charter schools with greater autonomy while ensuring accountability and compliance with educational standards, set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 443 Filed: 1002.331