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 students' personalized academic and career plans must be reviewed annually and signed by the student, their parent or guardian, and a school counselor, ensuring that these plans are updated as necessary throughout their high school years.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section that establishes regulations for students to earn postsecondary credit and career education clock hours for training received during apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs. The Board of Governors and the State Board of Education are tasked with adopting rules to facilitate this process, which includes evaluating credentials and aligning apprenticeship programs with postsecondary courses. A workgroup will be formed to develop a process for determining postsecondary course equivalencies and the minimum credits or hours to be awarded, with recommendations due by March 1, 2026. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1094 Filed: 1001.43, 1003.4156