The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to improve the management and participation of students in extracurricular activities. It allows district school boards to create policies for utilizing funds from booster clubs to support athletic coaches and activity sponsors, while explicitly prohibiting the use of these funds for severance pay or compensation. The bill also revises eligibility requirements for students, introducing a new definition for "eligible student" that includes those from home education programs and charter schools. Additionally, it mandates that governing organizations maintain specific manuals and require insurance coverage for all eligible students participating in extracurricular activities. Activity fees must be approved annually by the school board and published on school websites, ensuring transparency and equitable access for all students.

Moreover, the bill establishes that public schools cannot belong to organizations that discriminate against eligible students, particularly those from charter schools and the Florida Virtual School. It outlines the responsibilities of schools in maintaining records for eligibility and compliance, allowing reasonable activity fees that must be approved by the district school board or charter school governing board. Importantly, it ensures that home education students or public school students participating in a school where they are not enrolled are charged the same fees as enrolled students. The legislation also includes provisions for civil liability exemptions for injuries during transportation to extracurricular activities and sets criteria for student transfers, ensuring a more inclusive environment for all students wishing to engage in extracurricular activities. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 538 Filed: 1006.15, 1002.33
S 538 c1: 1006.15, 1006.20
S 538 c2: 1006.15, 1002.31, 1002.33, 1006.20
S 538 c3: 1006.15, 1002.31, 1002.33, 1006.20
S 538 e1: 1006.15, 1002.31, 1002.33, 1006.20
S 538 er: 1006.15, 1002.31, 1002.33, 1006.20