This bill amends Florida Statutes concerning education, specifically targeting lab schools and charter schools. It permits lab schools to use discretionary capital improvement funds for various purposes, such as purchasing real property, constructing facilities, and acquiring vehicles and technology, as long as these expenditures are at or below the appraised value. The bill defines "appraised value" and requires documentation of this value to be submitted to the Department of Education upon request.

For charter schools, the bill introduces several key amendments, including the ability for schools not under a school improvement or corrective action plan to increase student enrollment beyond their charter's specified capacity, provided it does not exceed the facility's capacity. Charter schools must notify their sponsors of such enrollment increases by March 1 for the following school year. Additionally, the bill enhances the responsibilities of sponsors, ensuring they provide equitable access to student performance data and administrative services. High-performing charter schools are given more flexibility to increase enrollment and expand grade levels, and they can also assume the charter of an existing school within the same district. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 822 Filed: 1002.331
S 822 c2: 1002.331