This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance educational governance and support for underrepresented students, while also addressing issues related to the ocean economy. Key deletions include the removal of the Florida School for Competitive Academics from audit requirements, classification and pay plans, and definitions of public employers. The bill renames the Florida Educational Equity Act to the Florida Educational Equality Act, shifting the focus of public schools and Florida College System institutions to increase participation of underrepresented students in programs and courses. New provisions allow the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to develop contracts with state universities for research assistance and provide tuition assistance for active members of the Florida State Guard.

Additionally, the bill introduces several amendments aimed at improving compliance and accountability within the Florida College System and public schools. It establishes requirements for the Commissioner of Education to enforce Title IX regulations regarding female athletes and prohibits the use of funds to support organizations that discriminate based on race or sex. The bill also modifies language regarding emergency opioid antagonists in schools, mandates parental consent for corporal punishment, and emphasizes the importance of reading instruction and financial literacy. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline educational processes, enhance support for diverse student populations, and promote economic growth in the ocean sector.

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
S 1618 c1: 216.251, 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
S 1618 c2: 216.251, 251.001, 381.853, 435.12, 446.032, 446.041, 1000.04, 1000.21, 1001.20, 1001.452, 1001.706, 1001.7065, 1002.33, 1002.394, 1002.395, 1002.68, 1002.71, 1002.945, 1003.41, 1003.42, 1003.4201, 1003.4282, 1004.0971, 1007.27, 1007.35, 1008.365, 1008.37, 1009.23, 1009.536, 1009.8962, 1011.58, 1011.59, 1011.71, 1012.315, 1013.30, 1013.46