The bill CS/CS/HB 1115 amends several sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the funding and oversight of charter schools. It requires that certain surtax revenues shared with school districts also be proportionately allocated to eligible charter schools based on enrollment. School districts must provide charter schools with detailed funding information and submit a summary report of revenues to the Department of Education. The legislation introduces a standard monitoring tool for charter school sponsors and redefines the relationship between charter school sponsors and hope operators, shifting responsibilities from school districts to sponsoring entities. It mandates that hope operators notify sponsors of their intent to open a school and establish performance-based agreements.

Additionally, the bill revises student eligibility criteria for certificate career education programs, specifying that students who have earned the required credits for a standard high school diploma or an alternative program are eligible for enrollment, while deleting the previous requirement for a certificate of completion. It also establishes "schools of hope" to support students from low-performing schools and requires these schools to provide quarterly financial statements and comply with annual audits. The bill emphasizes financial accountability and ensures that students have access to developmental education options to enhance their skills for college-level work. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1115 Filed: 1002.33, 1011.62
H 1115 c1: 1002.33
H 1115 c2: 1002.33
H 1115 e1: 1002.33, 1002.394, 1003.433, 1007.263