The bill CS/CS/HB 1279 introduces a series of amendments to Florida statutes aimed at enhancing educational services and support for students, particularly those with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. It mandates that entities providing fee-based services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired must disclose the availability of similar no-cost services from public agencies. Additionally, the bill shifts the registration process for service providers in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to an application process with established qualifications, effective January 1, 2027. It also updates various education-related statutes, including provisions for virtual instruction, performance metrics for state universities, and health rights for K-12 students, particularly concerning the administration of epinephrine delivery devices.

Moreover, the bill expands educational opportunities by allowing dual enrollment for secondary and home education students, enhancing support for students with reading deficiencies, and modifying scholarship eligibility to include homeless students. It also revises the governance of the Florida ABLE program and introduces performance-based incentives for teachers. The bill emphasizes the importance of aligning educational pathways with career and technical education and ensures that educational services, particularly in STEM fields, are adequately funded. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and aims to improve educational outcomes and accessibility across Florida.

Statutes affected:
H 1279 Filed: 413.208, 1001.92, 1003.437, 1004.06, 1005.06, 1006.71, 1007.25, 1009.25, 1009.40, 1009.895
H 1279 c1: 413.208, 1001.92, 1003.437, 1004.06, 1005.06, 1006.71, 1007.25, 1009.25, 1009.40, 1009.983, 1009.986
H 1279 c2: 413.208, 491.005, 1001.7065, 1003.437, 1004.06, 1005.06, 1006.71, 1009.25, 1009.40, 1009.895, 1009.983, 1009.986
H 1279 e1: 413.208, 491.005, 1001.92, 1002.20, 1002.42, 1002.421, 1003.4203, 1003.437, 1005.06, 1006.12, 1007.25, 1008.2125, 1008.47, 1009.21, 1009.25, 1009.893, 1009.983, 1009.986, 1011.69
H 1279 er: 413.208, 491.005, 1001.92, 1002.20, 1002.42, 1002.421, 1003.4203, 1003.437, 1005.06, 1006.12, 1007.25, 1008.2125, 1008.47, 1009.21, 1009.25, 1009.893, 1009.983, 1009.986, 1011.69