This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning education, with a strong emphasis on school safety, charter school operations, and student involvement in extracurricular activities. It defines "school bus" and clarifies that sufficient notice for trespassing on school grounds can be given through a posted sign or verbal warning from authorized personnel. Law enforcement officers are empowered to arrest individuals for trespassing without a warrant if probable cause exists. Additionally, the bill permits private schools in certain counties to build new facilities without adhering to specific zoning or land use conditions, as long as they comply with health and safety standards.

Moreover, the legislation introduces new monitoring requirements for charter school sponsors and mandates that school districts provide public charter schools with detailed information on shared revenues. It allows students enrolled in full-time virtual programs to participate in interscholastic athletics and specifies that participation in marching band can satisfy physical education or performing arts credit requirements for high school diplomas. The bill also requires the Department of Education to develop a policy regarding cell phone use on school grounds, with a report on its implementation due to the Legislature. Additionally, it establishes eligibility criteria for student participation in extracurricular activities and mandates the Commissioner of Education to implement a policy prohibiting cell phone use during school hours, with a report on its impact due by December 1, 2026. 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
S 1702 c3: 810.097, 1002.33, 1003.4282, 1006.195, 1011.71