The bill amends Florida Statutes concerning the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program and the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program by expanding the authorized uses of scholarship funds. It now includes tuition and fees for home education instructional programs and customized instructional programs, providing families with greater flexibility in utilizing these funds. The bill also revises the list of authorized uses to encompass instructional materials and various educational services, thereby enhancing educational options for students and families.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for nonprofit scholarship-funding organizations, including compliance with background check standards and the establishment of separate scholarship accounts for each eligible student. It mandates these organizations to maintain records of accrued interest and ensure appropriate use of scholarship funds. The Department of Education is tasked with annually submitting a list of eligible organizations and verifying their eligibility by March 15. The bill also includes an insertion that updates the reference to the requirements for nonprofit scholarship-funding organizations from paragraph (2)(g) to (2)(h). The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1565 Filed: 402.302
H 1565 c1: 1002.394