The bill SB 2510 amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning prekindergarten through grade 12 education, with a primary focus on the establishment and funding of "Schools of Hope." Key provisions include the requirement for a third-party administrator to manage fund transfers to the Schools of Hope program when its balance falls below $25 million, effective July 1, 2027. The bill revises definitions and requirements for these schools, including enrollment preferences for students from persistently low-performing schools and those in Florida Opportunity Zones, and mandates that school districts provide specific facilities and services to Schools of Hope at no cost. Additionally, it introduces a reporting framework for these schools, requiring quarterly financial statements and annual audits, and establishes a Schools of Hope Program within the Department of Education to oversee performance metrics and funding.

Further amendments in the bill address scholarship funding and virtual instruction programs, including prohibiting service providers from sharing or refunding scholarship money and designating nonprofit organizations as administrators of scholarship accounts. The bill also updates funding mechanisms for virtual programs and modifies dual enrollment eligibility criteria. It emphasizes the need for accurate funding calculations and introduces new funding models for exceptional student education programs. Notably, the bill creates an academic acceleration options supplement to support various academic programs and outlines a bonus structure for teachers based on student performance in advanced courses. Overall, SB 2510 aims to enhance educational opportunities, accountability, and funding structures for Florida's education system.

Statutes affected:
S 2510 Filed: 1002.45, 1003.4203, 1003.498, 1003.4935, 1011.61, 1011.66
S 2510 e1: 402.22, 1001.292, 1002.32, 1002.33, 1002.411, 1003.4203, 1003.4935, 1003.498, 1007.271, 1010.20, 1011.61, 1011.65
S 2510 er: 402.22, 1001.292, 1002.32, 1002.33, 1002.411, 1003.4203, 1003.4935, 1003.498, 1007.271, 1010.20, 1011.61, 1011.65