This bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to education, primarily focusing on school safety, facility construction, and student conduct. It defines "school bus" and establishes that sufficient notice for trespassing on school buses includes posted signs or verbal warnings from authorized personnel. Law enforcement officers are granted the authority to arrest individuals for trespassing on school grounds without a warrant if there is probable cause. Additionally, the bill allows private schools in certain counties to construct new facilities without adhering to specific zoning or land use conditions, provided they meet health and safety requirements.

The bill also introduces requirements for charter school sponsors to utilize a standard monitoring tool and allows the Redlands Christian Migrant Association to use specific school readiness reimbursement rates. It specifies that participation in marching band can fulfill physical education or performing arts credit requirements for high school diplomas. Furthermore, it authorizes school districts to use tax revenue for liability insurance and mandates the Commissioner of Education to coordinate a report on cell phone usage policies in schools, including a model policy for districts to adopt. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1702 Filed: 1002.33
S 1702 c1: 810.097, 1002.33, 1002.84, 1003.4282, 1011.71
S 1702 c2: 810.097, 1002.33, 1002.84, 1003.4282, 1011.71