The bill establishes a new section, 381.993, in the Florida Statutes, which mandates the Department of Health to collaborate with school districts to create informational materials aimed at detecting developmental delays and autism spectrum disorder. These materials will be made available to parents and guardians of students and will include descriptions of the disorders, associated signs, recommendations for developmental screenings, and information on existing state resources for at-risk students. The Department is required to develop these materials within 90 days after July 1, 2026, and to implement a standardized notification methodology for informing parents and guardians of the availability of these resources annually.

Additionally, the bill amends section 1002.53 to require early learning coalitions to notify parents and guardians about the availability of the newly developed informational materials alongside existing resources for early detection of Type 1 diabetes. This amendment ensures that parents are informed about both health issues and developmental concerns as part of the enrollment process in the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 969 Filed: 1002.53