The "Freedom to Learn Act," also known as House Bill 811, proposes significant amendments to Florida's education statutes, primarily aimed at enhancing inclusivity and parental involvement in educational content. The bill repeals section 1000.071, which previously restricted training on concepts related to race, gender, and sexual orientation, thereby allowing for the inclusion of LGBTQ history in public school curricula. It also prohibits school districts from withholding information from parents regarding their child's mental, emotional, or physical health. Additionally, the bill encourages the development of educational programs based on diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and revises the requirements for resolving objections to instructional materials, promoting a more diverse range of viewpoints in school libraries.

Moreover, the bill mandates the study of LGBTQ history and significant events, such as the Pulse Nightclub tragedy, while designating the second week of November as "Holocaust Education Week." It removes previous restrictions on teaching historical events related to identity politics and systemic inequalities, ensuring that general education core courses are reviewed every four years for alignment with state standards. The bill also introduces a new professional learning certification program for educators, allowing highly effective applicants to bypass certain examination requirements for certification. Overall, the act aims to reshape Florida's educational landscape by fostering a more inclusive and participatory environment for students and parents alike, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 811 Filed: 1000.05, 1001.42, 1001.706, 1001.92, 1003.42, 1004.04, 1004.85, 1007.25, 1012.562