This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning prekindergarten through grade 12 education, with a primary focus on enhancing virtual instruction and funding mechanisms. It allows school districts to report full-time equivalent (FTE) students for credits earned in virtual courses during the summer, thereby expanding funding opportunities. The bill also removes certain legislative intents related to the eligibility of students earning career and professional education (CAPE) certificates for FTE membership and revises definitions and procedures for FTE calculations, including the distribution timeframe for Florida Education Finance Program funds. Notably, it shifts the focus of the Florida School Recognition Program from faculty and staff to instructional personnel and allows for limitations on CAPE industry certifications based on specific criteria.

Additionally, the bill introduces amendments to dual enrollment and advanced placement programs, ensuring that students enrolling in eligible independent institutions are exempt from tuition and fees. It modifies FTE membership calculations for students completing core and career courses through dual enrollment and introduces new values for FTE membership based on student performance in CAPE certifications. The bill also changes the bonus structure for teachers instructing students in CAPE courses, replacing previous weight classifications with a fixed bonus per student and stipulating that bonuses will only be awarded if teachers maintain the security of certification exams. Furthermore, it alters the distribution schedule for Florida Education Finance Program funds to streamline funding processes, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 2510 pb: 1002.45, 1003.4203, 1003.498, 1003.4935, 1011.61, 1011.66