This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance educational opportunities and services for specific groups, including active members of the Florida State Guard and individuals who are blind or visually impaired. It mandates that Florida College System institutions and state universities waive tuition and fees for active members of the Florida State Guard for up to six credit hours per term, contingent upon approval by the Division of the State Guard. Additionally, it requires entities providing fee-based services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired to disclose in writing whether similar services are available at no cost through public agencies, establishing specific guidelines for this disclosure process.

The bill also introduces significant changes to Florida's education system, including the establishment of a statewide uniform weighted grading system for honors courses and acceleration mechanisms, which district school boards must use to calculate high school GPAs. It creates new safety policies for state universities and Florida College System institutions to prevent and respond to violence on campus, modifies dual enrollment program regulations, and introduces out-of-state fee waivers for full-time undergraduate students with Florida resident grandparents. Furthermore, it enhances the funding structure for Florida College System institutions by requiring a minimum carry forward balance of 7 percent of their state operating budget and outlines new provisions for spending plans related to excess funds. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 7038 Filed: 251.001, 413.208, 1003.437, 1005.06, 1007.25, 1008.44, 1009.26, 1009.30, 1009.536, 1009.893, 1009.983, 1009.986
S 7038 c1: 251.001, 413.208, 491.005, 1001.92, 1003.437, 1005.06, 1007.25, 1008.44, 1008.47, 1009.26, 1009.30, 1009.536, 1009.893, 1009.983, 1009.986
S 7038 c2: 251.001, 413.208, 491.005, 1001.7065, 1001.92, 1003.437, 1005.06, 1007.25, 1008.44, 1008.47, 1009.26, 1009.30, 1009.536, 1009.893, 1009.983, 1009.986