This bill amends section 1001.42 of the Florida Statutes to mandate that K-12 public schools participate in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. It establishes requirements for providing school lunches and breakfasts, ensuring that lunches are available to all students regardless of their ability to pay, while allowing school districts to collect payments for meals. However, the bill prohibits the use of third-party debt collectors for collecting any outstanding meal debts. Additionally, it stipulates that breakfast must be provided at no cost unless a parent requests otherwise, and outlines a reimbursement process for school breakfasts served.

The bill also empowers the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to reimburse school districts for each breakfast served, with the reimbursement rate determined by the difference between federal funding and the free rate set annually by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The Department is authorized to adopt rules to facilitate the administration of these provisions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1501 Filed: 1001.42