The bill aims to enhance career planning opportunities for students in Florida by amending several sections of the Florida Statutes. It mandates that work-based learning opportunities be scheduled to maximize student access and participation. Additionally, it requires high schools to host annual career fairs that provide students aged 16 and older the chance to meet with employers offering paid work experiences, including registered preapprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. The bill also stipulates that a student's personalized academic and career plan must be reviewed annually starting in high school, with necessary revisions made and signed by the student, their guardian, and a school counselor.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new section that requires the Board of Governors and the State Board of Education to create regulations enabling students to earn postsecondary credit and career education clock hours for training received during apprenticeship or preapprenticeship programs. A workgroup will be formed to develop a process for determining postsecondary course equivalencies and the minimum credits or hours to be awarded for these programs. The workgroup is tasked with providing recommendations by March 1, 2026, and ensuring that postsecondary credits awarded are transferable among state universities, Florida College System institutions, and career centers. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 571 Filed: 1001.43