The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to remove the Florida School for Competitive Academics from several legal frameworks, including audit requirements and definitions of public employers. It deletes references to this school in sections related to the duties of the Auditor General and salary appropriations. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that prohibits public schools from expending funds on organizations that discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or religion, while also outlining conditions for student-led organizations' use of school facilities and funds. The bill further includes educational reforms such as authorizing public schools to purchase emergency opioid antagonists, requiring parental consent for corporal punishment, and updating reading intervention and financial literacy instruction requirements.

Moreover, the bill mandates district school boards to establish procedures for selecting advisory council members to ensure community representation and encourages the formation of advisory councils in schools. It updates provisions regarding emergency opioid antagonists, introduces new standards for agricultural education, and enhances reading instruction and financial literacy education. The bill also revises educator certification standards, ensuring that individuals with disqualifying backgrounds are excluded and allowing for more flexible certification pathways. Notably, it amends the selection process for the Teacher of the Year award, ensuring that the first runner-up must take the place of the awardee if they are unable to serve. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with certain provisions effective upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
S 1618 Filed: 216.251, 447.203, 1000.04, 1001.20, 1001.452, 1002.33, 1002.394, 1002.395, 1002.68, 1002.71, 1002.945, 1003.41, 1003.42, 1003.4201, 1003.4282, 1007.27, 1008.365, 1011.58, 1011.59, 1012.315