House Bill 1105 amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance career education and the Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars award. It mandates the inclusion of work-related internships in counseling materials for high school graduation and tasks the Department of Education with developing additional courses that meet state academic standards, allowing students to earn credits for both career education and graduation. The bill also revises local school districts' strategic planning to focus on recruiting students into career-themed courses, particularly those at risk of dropping out.

Additionally, the bill modifies the Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars award by promoting its benefits within the Bright Futures Scholarship Program and ensuring that transportation access fees are excluded from award calculations. It updates eligibility requirements for volunteer service or paid work for the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars and CAPE Scholars awards, removing references to the 2022-2023 academic year. The bill also introduces provisions for dual enrollment programs, requiring annual agreements between career centers and high schools to outline costs and transportation arrangements, and emphasizes collaboration between district school superintendents and public postsecondary institution presidents. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1105 Filed: 1003.493, 1009.22, 1009.23, 1009.534, 1009.535, 1007.271