This bill, known as the "Craig Dickinson Act," amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance student participation in physical education and extracurricular activities. It introduces new definitions, such as "eligible student," which now includes home education, charter, private, Florida Virtual School, alternative school, and traditional public school students. The bill revises eligibility requirements for interscholastic and intrascholastic activities, mandates district school boards to provide insurance for participants, and prohibits additional fees for participation. It also requires parents to provide transportation and establishes indemnity provisions for schools and district school boards. Notably, the bill removes the requirement for the Florida High School Athletic Association to facilitate programs for private school students and allows students to appeal eligibility decisions.

Additionally, the bill specifies that eligibility standards must be applied starting from a student's first semester of 9th grade and prohibits district school boards from imposing requirements that hinder home education students' participation. It mandates that school districts ensure K-12 students participate annually in the Presidential Youth Fitness Program and clarifies that governing organizations must allow home education associations to join as member schools. The bill also introduces provisions for appeals regarding eligibility decisions, requiring a timeline for appeals not exceeding 20 days and mandates that decisions be posted online. Furthermore, it grants district school boards the authority to determine and approve compensation for athletic coaches, allowing for greater flexibility in compensation methods. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 538 Filed: 1006.15, 1002.33