The bill amends section 1002.71 of the Florida Statutes to revise the calculation of the base student allocation for the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program. It specifies that starting in the 2026-2027 program year, the base student allocation for both school-year and summer prekindergarten programs must not be less than the amount appropriated for the previous program year, adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index, with a cap of 5 percent increase each year. The allocation will be equal for all students, regardless of whether they are enrolled in public or private prekindergarten programs.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Division of Early Learning publish the adjusted base student allocation on its website and provide this information to early learning coalitions by May 1 for the upcoming program year. It also allows the Legislature the option to allocate a greater base student allocation or additional supplements for the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program in the General Appropriations Act. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 345 Filed: 1002.71