Careers & Workforce Subcommittee — Committee Meeting Notice (January 28, 2026)
Summary
Meeting packet for the Florida House of Representatives Careers & Workforce Subcommittee, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 1:00 PM at Morris Hall, with Daniel Perez as Speaker and Tiffany Esposito as Chair. The Committee Meeting Notice, marked finalized on 01/26/2026, lists PCS for HB 1279 on Education and PCS for HB 1503 on Technology Education. The bill analysis of PCS for HB 1279 says the PCS requires preeminent state universities to reserve 95 percent of each new fall, first-time-in-college enrolled cohort for Florida resident students based on a 3 year average. The packet ends with text of PCS for HB 1503, which takes effect July 1, 2026.
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“Careers & Workforce Subcommittee — Committee Meeting Notice (January 28, 2026).”
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Careers & Workforce Subcommittee
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
1:00 PM
Morris Hall (17 HOB)
Daniel Perez Tiffany Esposito
Speaker Chair
Committee Meeting Notice
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Careers & Workforce Subcommittee
Start Date and Time: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 01:00 PM
End Date and Time: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 03:00 PM
Location: Morris Hall (17 HOB)
Duration: 2.00 hrs
Consideration of the following bill(s) with proposed committee substitute(s):
PCS for HB 1279 -- Education
PCS for HB 1503 -- Technology Education
NOTICE FINALIZED on 01/26/2026 4:40PM by Kelley.Megan
01/26/2026 04:40:27PM Leagis ® Page 1 of 1
PCS for HB 1279
FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
BILL ANALYSIS
This bill analysis was prepared by nonpartisan committee staff and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
BILL #: PCS for HB 1279 COMPANION BILL: SB 1052 (Grall)
TITLE: Education LINKED BILLS: None
SPONSOR(S): Careers & Workforce Subcommittee RELATED BILLS: None
Committee References
Orig. Comm.: Careers & Workforce
SUMMARY
Effect of the Bill:
The PCS requires preeminent state universities to reserve 95 percent of each new fall, first-time-in-college enrolled
cohort for Florida resident students based on a 3 year average. It limits international student enrollment at state
universities and requires students to be a United States citizen or lawfully present to receive state financial aid. The
PCS revises the graduation rate metric for state universities seeking preeminent status or performance-based
incentive funding. The PCS broadens the category of accreditors that may be approved by the State Board of
Education or Board of Governors and removes an exemption on DEI spending for accreditation purposes. The PCS
prohibits state colleges and universities from imposing institution-wide graduation requirements that include
courses that distort significant historical events or teach discriminatory content. It removes a requirement for state
colleges and universities to develop a gender equity plan for intercollegiate athletics. The PCS reduces the comment
timeframe on proposed specialized associate in arts transfer degree programs. The PCS clarifies licensure
requirements for the Commission for Independent Education. The PCS requires the State Board of Education to
establish a uniform weighted grading system for advanced courses and clarifies eligibility and course weighting
requirements for dual enrollment courses. The PCS provides bonuses to school districts and teachers offering a
Florida Advanced Course and Test. Finally, the PCS improves transparency for blind services and strengthens the
quality assurance system for vocational rehabilitation service providers.
Fiscal or Economic Impact:
Provisions in the PCS have an indeterminate negative impact on the Department of Education, state universities,
specified students, and private vocational rehabilitation service providers. The PCS has an indeterminate positive
impact on Florida students, consumers, teachers, school districts, state universities, and state government.
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ANALYSIS
EFFECT OF THE BILL:
The PCS requires preeminent state universities to limit nonresident enrollment in each fall, full-time first-time-in-
college (FTIC)1 entering cohort to 5 percent, reserving 95 percent of seats for Florida students based on a 3 year
average. By July 1, 2030, a preeminent state university that fails to maintain this average is ineligible for
preeminent funding. The PCS also specifies that the 4-year graduation rate of 60 percent or higher for full-time
FTIC students required for preeminent status excludes those enrolled in a baccalaureate engineering degree
program that requires more than 120 semester hours. (Section 3).
The PCS limits the enrollment of degree-seeking students who are not United States citizens and not permanent
residents of the United States to no more than 5 percent from any one country at each state university. (Section 7).
1 BOG Regulation 6.002. First-time-in-college (FTIC) freshman seeking admission to an undergraduate degree program in the
State University System (SUS) are defined as students who have earned a standard high school diploma from a Florida public
or regionally accredited high school, or its equivalent, and who have earned fewer than 12 semester hours of transferable
college credit since receiving a standard high school diploma or its equivalent.
STORAGE NAME: PCS1279.CWS
DATE: 1/26/2026
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PCS for HB 1279
The PCS also requires students to be a United States citizen or lawfully present in the United States to receive state
financial aid. (Sections 16 and 17).
The PCS specifies that for state universities seeking performance-based incentive funding, the metric for a 4-year
graduation rate of 60 percent or higher for full-time FTIC students excludes those enrolled in a baccalaureate
engineering degree program that requires more than 120 semester hours. (Sections 3 and 4).
The PCS removes a current exemption to the prohibition on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) spending by
Florida College System (FCS) institutions, state universities, or their direct support organizations, if required for
accreditation purposes. The PCS clarifies that programmatic accreditors are also not permitted to compel public
postsecondary institutions to violate state law and provides flexibility for state universities to seek accreditation
from Florida’s new accreditor, the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE). (Sections 6 and 14).
The PCS also strikes specific references to the American Bar Association (ABA) in statutes relating to the Florida
A&M University College of Law and the Florida International University College of Law. (Sections 8 and 9).
The PCS prohibits state colleges and universities from imposing an institution-wide graduation requirement that
includes a course that distorts significant historical events or includes a curriculum that teaches identity politics,
violates the Florida Educational Equity Act, or is based on theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and
privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political, and
economic inequities. (Section 12). The PCS removes a requirement for state colleges and universities to develop a
gender equity plan for intercollegiate athletics. (Section 11).
The PCS specifies that to qualify for the tuition and fee exemption for homeless students, a student must have
previously been determined to be homeless by a Florida public school and remain in the state for the duration of
the tuition and fee exemption. (Section 15).
The PCS reduces the comment timeframe on proposed specialized associate in arts transfer (SAAT) degree
programs from 60 to 30 days. (Section 12).
The PCS clarifies that a private college or school that is approved by another state agency to offer one or more
courses or programs does not qualify for exemption from Commission for Independent Education (CIE)
jurisdiction. (Section 10).
The PCS requires the State Board of Education (SBE) to establish a statewide uniform weighted grading system for
honors courses and articulated acceleration mechanisms, including dual enrollment, the Advanced Placement
Program (AP), the International Baccalaureate Program (IB), and the Advanced International Certificate of
Education Program (AICE). (Section 5).
The PCS clarifies that only Florida students are eligible for the dual enrollment program and that the
postsecondary institutions eligible to participate include FCS institutions, state universities, and eligible nonprofit
independent colleges and universities. School districts and postsecondary institutions must use the uniform
weighted grading system for dual enrollment courses when calculating GPAs and high school GPAs must be
calculated based on the high school credit earned by the student in each course. (Sections 5 and 13).
The PCS authorizes bonuses for school districts and teachers offering a Florida Advanced Course and Test (FACT)
that are in line with bonuses offered for other advanced courses, such as AP, AICE, IB, and Career and Professional
Education (CAPE) industry certifications. (Section 20).
The PCS increases transparency by requiring vendors offering fee-based services to people who are blind or
visually impaired to disclose if equivalent or substantially similar services are available at no cost through the
Division of Blind Services or another public agency. (Section 1).
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PCS for HB 1279
The PCS strengthens the quality assurance system for vocational rehabilitation (VR) service providers by giving the
VR Division of the Department of Education (DOE) more authority to regulate and manage service providers.
Beginning January 1, 2027, only service providers that meet the minimum qualifications established by the division
and that have been approved by the division to provide employment-related services to individuals with
disabilities may participate in the VR program. Providers also must set rates that are allocable, reasonable, and
necessary, as determined by the division. (Section 2).
Finally, the PCS authorizes the chair of the board of the Florida Prepaid College Board to choose a designee who
possesses knowledge, skill, and experience in the areas of accounting, risk management, or investment
management to serve as the director of its direct support organization and to sit on the board of directors for
Florida ABLE. (Sections 18 and 19).
The PCS takes effect July 1, 2026. (Section 21).
RULEMAKING:
The PCS authorizes the SBE to adopt rules to implement consumer disclosure for blind services. The PCS also
modifies several provisions of law already under the SBE’s rulemaking authority, thus allowing the SBE to make
rules to implement the PCS. Current law authorizes the SBE to adopt rules and the Board of Governors (BOG) to
adopt regulations regarding fee exemptions for homeless students. Current law requires the SBE and the BOG to
adopt rules and regulations, respectively, regarding prohibited expenditures. The BOG is required to adopt
regulations to administer the SUS Performance-Based Incentive. The SBE is required to adopt rules relating to dual
enrollment programs, the associate in arts specialized transfer degree, and the Open Door Grant Program.
Lawmaking is a legislative power; however, the Legislature may delegate a portion of such power to executive
branch agencies to create rules that have the force of law. To exercise this delegated power, an agency must
have a grant of rulemaking authority and a law to implement.
FISCAL OR ECONOMIC IMPACT:
STATE GOVERNMENT:
The PCS has an indeterminate negative fiscal impact to the state by adding additional full-time equivalent (FTE)
students to the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) for each student in a Florida advanced course who
achieves a minimum score on the assessment. Provisions regarding blind services and VR providers may have an
indeterminate negative fiscal impact to the DOE through a potential increase in use of services and administrative
work.
Changes to the graduation metric could have a positive fiscal impact for state universities through the
performance-based incentive. Provisions regarding homeless students and financial aid requirements may have an
indeterminate positive fiscal impact on the state through savings on fee exemptions and financial aid.
PRIVATE SECTOR:
The PCS has a potential indeterminate negative impact on fee-based providers of blind services and VR services,
but a potential positive impact for consumers of those services. The PCS may have a negative fiscal impact on
students who would no longer qualify for the tuition and fee exemption for homeless students or for financial aid
due to eligibility requirements, but a potential positive impact for Florida students accepted into state universities.
The PCS has a positive impact for teachers of a Florida advanced course who receive bonuses based on student
assessment scores.
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PCS for HB 1279
RELEVANT INFORMATION
SUBJECT OVERVIEW:
Preeminent State Universities
The preeminent state research universities program is a collaborative partnership between the Board of
Governors (BOG) and the Legislature to raise the academic and research preeminence of the highest performing
state research universities in Florida.2 A state university that meets 12 of the 13 academic and research excellence
standards specified in law is designated a “preeminent state research university.”3 Currently, the University of
Florida, Florida State University, University of South Florida, and Florida International University are designated as
preeminent state research universities.4 The University of Central Florida is expected to be certified by the BOG as
a Preeminent State Research University in 2026.5
The following are the academic and research excellence standards established for the preeminent state research
universities program that must be reported annually in the BOG Accountability Plan:6
An average weighted grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 or higher and an average SAT score of 1200 or
higher; an average ACT score of 25 or higher; or an average CLT score of 83 or higher for fall semester
incoming freshmen.
A top-50 ranking on at least two well-known national public university rankings, such as U.S. News &
World Report.
A 90 percent or higher freshman retention rate for full-time, first-time-in-college students.
A 60 percent or higher four-year graduation rate for full-time, first-time-in-college students.
At least six faculty members who are members of a national academy.
Total annual research expenditures of $200 million or more, including federal research funding.
Annual research expenditures in diversified nonmedical sciences of $150 million or more.
A top-100 national ranking for research expenditures in five or more STEM fields.
At least 100 patents awarded by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office over the most recent three-year
period.
400 or more doctoral degrees awarded annually, including professional doctoral degrees in medical and
health care disciplines.
200 or more postdoctoral appointees annually.
An endowment of $500 million or more.
Total annual STEM-related research expenditures of $50 million or more, including federal research
funding.
Nonresident Enrollment
Students must be classified as residents or nonresidents for the purpose of assessing tuition in postsecondary
educational programs offered by charter technical career centers, career centers operated by school districts, FCS
institutions, and state universities. Students pay differing tuition rates based on their status as a resident or
nonresident of Florida.7 A “resident for tuition purposes” means an admitted or currently enrolled student who
2 Section 1001.7065(1), F.S.
3 Section 1001.7065(3), F.S.
4 Board of Governors, State University System of Florida, Accountability Propels State University System of Florida to New
Heights, https://www.flbog.edu/2024/07/01/accountability-propels-state-university-system-of-florida-to-new-heights/ (last
visited Jan. 24, 2026).
5 See Board of Governors, 2025 Accountability Plan: State University System of Florida Summary, BOG Approval June 18, 2025 at
12, available at https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025_System_Accountability_Plan_BOG_Approved_08-
13-2025.pdf. See also University of Central Florida, Preeminence, https://analytics.ucf.edu/performance/preeminence/ (last
visited Jan. 26, 2026).
6 Id.
7
Section 1009.21, F.S.
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PCS for HB 1279
meets the residency requirements in statute and rule or regulation, and is therefore eligible to pay the resident
tuition and fee rate.8
Specifically, to qualify as a resident for tuition purposes:
A person, or if that person is a dependent child, his or her parent or parents must have established legal
residence in Florida and must have maintained legal residence for at least 12 consecutive months
immediately prior to his or her initial enrollment in an institution of higher education.
Every applicant for admission to an institution of higher education must make a statement as to his or her
length of residence and establish that his or her presence or, if the applicant is a dependent child, the
presence of his or her parent or parents in Florida currently is, and during the requisite 12-month
qualifying period was, for the purpose of maintaining a bona fide domicile.9
A person must show certain proof that he or she should be classified as a resident for tuition purposes and may not
receive the in-state tuition rate until clear and convincing evidence related to legal residence and its duration has
been provided. Each institution of higher education must make a residency determination that is documented by
the submission of written or electronic verification that includes two or more specified documents that:
Must include at least one of the following (“Tier 1”):
o A Florida voter’s registration card.
o A Florida driver license.
o A State of Florida identification card.
o A Florida vehicle registration.
o Proof of a permanent home in Florida which is occupied as a primary residence by the individual or
by the individual’s parent if the individual is a dependent child.
o Proof of a homestead exemption in Florida.10
o Transcripts from a Florida high school for multiple years if the Florida high school diploma or high
school equivalency diploma was earned within the last 12 months.
o Proof of permanent full-time employment in Florida for at least 30 hours per week for a 12-month
period.
May include one or more of the following (“Tier 2”):
o A declaration of domicile in Florida.
o A Florida professional or occupational license.
o Florida incorporation.
o A document evidencing family ties in Florida.
o Proof of membership in a Florida-based charitable or professional organization.
o Any other documentation that supports the student’s request for resident status, including, but not
limited to, utility bills and proof of 12 consecutive months of payments; a lease agreement and
proof of 12 consecutive months of payments; or an official state, federal, or court document
evidencing legal ties to Florida.11
Current BOG regulation limits nonresident student enrollment in the SUS to no more than 10 percent of the total
systemwide, fall term, degree-seeking undergraduate enrollment.12 The regulation does not limit the enrollment of
nonresident undergraduate students at any single university in the SUS to 10 percent of that university’s total
enrollment as long as the total number in the SUS does not exceed 10 percent of the total systemwide enrollment.
Students who receive specified nonresident tuition and fee waivers intended to encourage nonresident enrollment
8
Rule 6A-10.044, F.A.C.; Board of Governors Regulation 7.005.
9
Section 1009.21(2)(a), F.S.
10 Proof of a homestead exemption in Florida is deemed a single, conclusive piece of evidence proving residency. See s.
1009.21(3)(c), F.S.
11
Section 1009.21(3), F.S.
12 Board of Governors Regulation 7.006(1).
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in the SUS13 and students who are classified as nonresident students14 and who enroll entirely in distance learning
courses are exempt from the nonresident count for the 10 percent calculation.15
International Students
Under current law, there are no enrollment caps specific to international students at state universities. However,
international students are subject to the BOG regulation limiting nonresident student enrollment in the SUS to no
more than 10 percent of the total systemwide, fall term, degree-seeking undergraduate enrollment.16 Within
enrollment, space, and fiscal limitations, eligible international students may be accepted for admission to a state
university. Each UBOT is required to develop regulations for admission of international students that are
consistent with BOG regulations. At a minimum, such regulations must require that:17
International students are obligated to follow the laws and regulations set by the United States Citizenship
and Immigration Services of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the United States
Department of State.
An international applicant must be academically eligible for admission to the program at the level of
entrance requested by the applicant. An international student must demonstrate the required level of
academic preparation as evidenced by official copies of any academic records needed to ascertain the
comparability of the level and quality of the student’s previous education and achievement to that required
for other students.
An international applicant's proficiency in English must be adequate. International students whose first
language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency, as determined by the university.
Universities may utilize various methods to determine English language proficiency, such that the method
utilized to evaluate an individual student is sufficient to ensure a reasonable chance of academic success.
In order for an appropriate official at the university to issue a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or a DS
2019) to an international applicant, the student must provide documentation showing sufficient resources
to cover tuition, fees, books, room and board, health insurance, and other living expenses while enrolled at
the university.
Each international applicant determined to be academically and financially eligible for admission must
submit a health history form including proof of immunizations as required by the university prior to
enrollment at the university.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a U.S. government program that is part of Homeland Security
Investigations (HSI) within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security (DHS).18 SEVP certifies U.S. schools to enroll F-1 and M-1 foreign students and ensures their compliance
with administrative regulations. The Department of State (DOS) manages the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program,
under which there are a variety of exchange visitor categories. Both SEVP and the DOS use the Student and
Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to maintain critical information that allows DHS to protect national
security, while supporting the legal entry of foreign students and exchange visitors.19
13 Sections 1009.26(8), (13), (14), and (20) and 1009.893(2), F.S. Mandatory nonresident waivers exist for decorated combat
(s. 1009.26(8), F.S.); C.W. Bill Young Veteran Tuition Waiver Program (s. 1009.26(13), F.S.); nonresident active duty (s.
1009.26(14), F.S.); grandparent waiver (s. 1009.26(20), F.S.); and Benequisto Scholars (s. 1009.893(2), F.S.).
14 Board of Governors Regulation 7.005; s. 1009.21, F.S.
15 Board of Governors Regulation 7.006(2).
16 Board of Governors Regulation 7.006.
17 Board of Governors Regulation 6.009(1).
18 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Student and Exchange Visitor Program, SEVP Overview,
https://www.ice.gov/sevis (last visited Jan. 26, 2026).
19 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Student and Exchange Visitor Program, Student and Exchange Visitor
Information System, https://www.ice.gov/sevis/overview (last visited Jan. 26, 2026).
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There are three nonimmigrant visa categories for foreign students and exchange visitors who enter the United
States temporarily and solely for the purpose of pursuing a full course of study or to participate in a U.S. DOS-
designated exchange program. These visas are commonly known as the F, M, and J visas.20
F-1 students are foreign students whose primary purpose is to complete an academic course of study at a SEVP-
certified school or program. M-1 students are foreign students whose primary purpose is to complete a vocational
course of study at a SEVP-certified school or program. J-1 exchange visitors are foreign students selected to
participate in a DOS-designated exchange visitor program.21
You may enter in the F-1 or M-1 visa category provided you meet the following criteria:22
You must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational
program
Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs
Enforcement
You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution
You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency
You must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study
You must maintain a residence abroad which you have no intention of giving up.
Baccalaureate Degree Program
Under state law, a baccalaureate degree program must require no more than 120 semester hours of college credit
and include 36 semester hours of general education coursework, unless prior approval has been granted by the
BOG for programs offered by state universities and by the SBE for programs offered by FCS institutions.23
The BOG may approve a university board of trustees (UBOT) request for a baccalaureate degree program to exceed
120 credit hours for one or more of the following reasons:24
Additional courses are required to meet specialized accreditation standards for program content, and such
accreditation is expected or required for program graduates to become employed in the profession for
which they are being prepared.
Additional courses are required to meet state or federal-mandated criteria for professional licensing.
The degree program offers a unique and innovative learning experience, such as honors programs,
individualized study, and other non-traditional educational approaches.
Many engineering programs are approved to require more than 120 credit hours.25
Eligibility for State Financial Aid
In order to be eligible for state financial aid awards and tuition assistance grants, a student must:26
Achieve the academic requirements of and be accepted at a state university or FCS institution; a nursing
diploma school approved by the Florida Board of Nursing; a Florida college or university which is
accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the SBE; a Florida institution the credits of which are
acceptable for transfer to state universities; a career center; or a private career institution accredited by an
accrediting agency recognized by the SBE.
20 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Student and Exchange Visitor Program, 2024 SEVIS by the Numbers Report
(2024), available at https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/btn/25_0605_2024-sevis-btn.pdf.
21 Id.
22 Department of Homeland Security, Study in the States, Students and the Form I-20,
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/prepare/students-and-the-form-i-20 (last visited Jan. 26, 2026).
23 Section 1007.25(10), F.S.
24 Board of Governors Regulation 8.014.
25 SUS Council of Provosts, Board of Governors’ Update, Excellence in Engineering Education: Enhancing Undergraduate Student
Access, Retention, Graduation and Student Learning Outcomes to Meet Workforce Needs, available at
https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/ASA_09b_-Engineering_Programs_Credit_Hour_Review_Report.pdf.
26 Section 1009.40(1)(a), F.S.
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Establish Florida residency no less than 1 year preceding the award of aid or a tuition assistance grant for a
purpose other than to obtain an education. Resident status for purposes of receiving state financial aid
awards is determined in the same manner as resident status for tuition purposes.27
Submit certification attesting to the accuracy, completeness, and correctness of information provided to
demonstrate a student's eligibility to receive state financial aid awards or tuition assistance grants.
Performance-Based Incentive Funding
Performance funding for the SUS is intended to provide funding based on indicators of system and institutional
attainment of performance expectations.28 The BOG Performance Funding Model contains ten performance metrics
that evaluate each state university on the following:29
1. Percent of bachelor’s degree graduates employed ($40,000+) and/or continuing their education (1 year
after graduation)
2. Median wages of bachelor’s graduates employed full-time
3. Average cost to the student (Net tuition & fees per 120 credit hours)
4. 4-year graduation rate (full-time, FTIC)
5. Academic progress rate (2nd year retention with GPA above 2.0)
6. Bachelor’s degrees awarded in areas of strategic emphasis
7. University access rate (percent of undergraduates with a Pell Grant)
8. a. Graduate degrees awarded in areas of strategic emphasis
b. Percent of Newly Admitted FTICs with HS GPA 4.0+- for New College of Florida only
9. a. 3-year graduation rate for FCS associate in arts transfer students
b. 6-year graduation rate for students who are awarded a Pell Grant in their first year
10. Institution Board of Trustees Choice30
Metrics one through seven apply to all institutions. The eighth metric includes an alternative metric, 8b, for New
College of Florida. The ninth metric includes an alternative metric, 9b1, for Florida Polytechnic University. Metric
10 is a choice metric picked by the applicable UBOT.
Institutions receive scores on each metric based on the achievement of both excellence and improvement. The
higher of the two scores for each metric is applied to the overall score for each institution. Any institution that fails
to meet the BOG’s minimum performance funding threshold (a total score of less than 60 points) will not be eligible
for the state’s investment, will have a portion of its institutional investment withheld, and is required to submit an
improvement plan that specifies the activities and strategies for improving its performance.31 A state university
may submit an improvement plan for only one fiscal year.32
Prohibited Expenditures
State statute prohibits FCS institutions, state universities, and FCS and SUS direct-support organizations from
spending any state or federal funds to promote, support, or maintain any programs or campus activities that
violate the Florida Educational Equity Act, advocate for DEI, or promote or engage in political or social activism, as
defined by rules of the SBE and regulations of the BOG.33 However, there is an exemption for expenditures on
27 See s. 1009.21, F.S.
28 Section 1011.905, F.S.
29 Section 1001.92, F.S.; Board of Governors Regulation 5.001.
30 Each Board of Trustees selects a metric from the University Work Plan that is applicable to the mission of the university and
has not been previously chosen for the model. See Florida Board of Governors, Performance Funding Model Overview, available
at https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Overview-Doc-Performance-Funding-10-Metric-Model-Condensed-
Version-2025.pdf.
31 Section 1001.92(3)(a), F.S.; see also Florida Board of Governors, Performance Funding Model Overview, available at
https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Overview-Doc-Performance-Funding-10-Metric-Model-Condensed-
Version-2025.pdf.
32 Section 1001.92(3)(a), F.S.
33 Section 1004.06(2), F.S.
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programs, campus activities, or functions required for obtaining or retaining institutional or discipline-specific
accreditation with the approval of either the SBE or the BOG.34
Accreditation
FCS institutions and state universities are required to be accredited by an accrediting agency or association
recognized by the United States Department of Education and the SBE or BOG, respectively. In the year following
reaffirmation or fifth-year review by its accreditor, each state college or university must seek and obtain
accreditation before its next reaffirmation or fifth-year review date and is limited to a one-time change in
accreditors. These requirements do not apply to professional, graduate, departmental, or certificate programs that
have specific accreditation requirements or best practices, including, but not limited to, law, pharmacy,
engineering, or other similarly situated educational programs.35 The state college or university is required to seek
accreditation from a regional accreditor, approved by the SBE or BOG, as applicable, and provide quarterly reports
of its progress toward accreditation to the SBE or BOG, as applicable.36 Accrediting agencies and associations are
prohibited from compelling state colleges and universities to violate state law.37
Commission for Public Higher Education
The BOG approved the creation of the CPHE, a non-profit corporation that will serve as a higher education
accreditor, in 2025. A non-paid Board of Directors (BOD) is responsible for the administration and oversight of
CPHE’s affairs. The higher education systems from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas A&M,
and Tennessee (Founding University Systems) have representation on the BOD through a designated director
selected by each respective state, who together comprise the initial six members of the BOD.38
The BOD establishes accreditation standards, policies, and procedures and takes accreditation actions (e.g.,
approval of institutional accreditation applications). CPHE’s mission is to advance the quality and improvement of
higher education by accrediting state public colleges and universities that are incorporated, chartered, licensed or
authorized in the United States. CPHE serves as an institutional accrediting agency for state public colleges and
universities that award associate, bachelor's, or higher degrees. By establishing rigorous, transparent, and
adaptable outcomes-based accreditation standards and practices, CPHE ensures that colleges and universities meet
and maintain academic quality and excellence on behalf of their students. CPHE’s competitive advantage lies in
modern accreditation frameworks that emphasize data-driven assessment, institutional innovation, and regulatory
compliance.39
American Bar Association
The ABA is the sole programmatic accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education to accredit
programs in legal education that lead to the first professional degree in law.40 Pursuant to Article 5 of the Florida
Constitution, the Florida Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction over admission to the Florida Bar.41 Prior to
January of 2026, graduation from an ABA-accredited law school was required for admission to the Florida Bar.
However, pursuant to the Florida Supreme Court’s recent decision42 to no longer recognize the ABA as the sole
accrediting agency for law schools whose graduates are eligible to sit for the state’s Bar Exam, that requirement
34 Section 1004.06(3), F.S.
35 Section 1008.47(2)(a), F.S.
36 Section 1008.47(2)(b), F.S.
37 Section 1008.47(3), F.S.
38 Florida Board of Governors, Agenda Item for Board Action (July 11, 2025), available at https://www.flbog.edu/wp-
content/uploads/2025/07/Agenda-Item-for-Board-Action-7.pdf.
39 Id.
40 Supreme Court of Florida, Opinion No.SC2025-2064 (January 15, 2026), available at https://flcourts-
media.flcourts.gov/content/download/2483731/opinion/Opinion_SC2025-2064.pdf.
41 Art. V, s. 15, Fla. Const.
42 Supreme Court of Florida, Opinion No.SC2025-2064 (January 15, 2026), available at https://flcourts-
media.flcourts.gov/content/download/2483731/opinion/Opinion_SC2025-2064.pdf.
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has changed. The decision expands the accrediting agencies by which a law school may be approved or
provisionally approved for purposes of graduate eligibility to sit for the Florida Bar Exam.43
Postsecondary Graduation Requirements
The SBE and BOG approve statewide general education core course options for inclusion in the statewide course
numbering system. General education core course options consist of a maximum of five courses within each of the
subject areas of communication, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. Each general
education core course option must contain high-level academic and critical thinking skills and common
competencies that students must demonstrate to successfully complete the course. General education core courses
may not distort significant historical events or include a curriculum that teaches identity politics, violates the
Florida Educational Equity Act,44 or is based on theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are
inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political, and economic
inequities.45
General education core courses must meet the following standards:46
Communication courses must afford students the ability to communicate effectively, including the ability to
write clearly and engage in public speaking.
Humanities courses must afford students the ability to think critically through the mastering of subjects
concerned with human culture, especially literature, history, art, music, and philosophy, and must include
selections from the Western canon.
Social science courses must afford students an understanding of the basic social and behavioral science
concepts and principles used in the analysis of behavior and past and present social, political, and economic
issues.
Natural science courses must afford students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of
the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and
phenomena.
Mathematics courses must afford students a mastery of foundational mathematical and computation
models and methods by applying such models and methods in problem solving.
Students must complete at least one identified core course in each subject area as part of the general education
course requirements. All public postsecondary educational institutions must offer at least one general education
core course in each of the identified subject areas and accept courses as meeting general education core course
requirements upon transfer, regardless of whether the receiving institution offers the identical general education
core courses.47
Florida Educational Equity Act
The Florida Educational Equity Act prohibits subjecting students or employees in the Florida K-20 public education
system to training or instruction that promotes or compels belief in any of the following concepts, on the grounds
that it constitutes discrimination:48
Members of one race, color, national origin, or sex are morally superior to members of another race, color,
national origin, or sex.
A person, by virtue of his or her race, color, national origin, or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive,
whether consciously or unconsciously.
A person's moral character or status as either privileged or oppressed is necessarily determined by his or
her race, color, national origin, or sex.
43 Id.
44 Section 1000.05, F.S.
45 Section 1007.25(3), F.S.
46 Id.
47 Id.
48 Section 1000.05(4)(a), F.S.
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Members of one race, color, national origin, or sex cannot and should not attempt to treat others without
respect to race, color, national origin, or sex.
A person, by virtue of his or her race, color, national origin, or sex, bears responsibility for, or should be
discriminated against or receive adverse treatment because of, actions committed in the past by other
members of the same race, color, national origin, or sex.
A person, by virtue of his or her race, color, national origin, or sex, should be discriminated against or
receive adverse treatment to achieve diversity, equity, or inclusion.
A person, by virtue of his or her race, color, sex, or national origin, bears personal responsibility for and
must feel guilt, anguish, or other forms of psychological distress because of actions, in which the person
played no part, committed in the past by other members of the same race, color, national origin, or sex.
Such virtues as merit, excellence, hard work, fairness, neutrality, objectivity, and racial colorblindness are
racist or sexist, or were created by members of a particular race, color, national origin, or sex to oppress
members of another race, color, national origin, or sex.
However, this prohibition does not prohibit discussion of these concepts as part of a larger course of training or
instruction, as long as it is conducted in an objective manner, without endorsement of the concepts.49
Gender Equity Plan
Under current law,50 state colleges and universities are required to develop a gender equity plan for intercollegiate
athletics. The plan must consider equity in sports offerings, participation, availability of facilities, scholarship
offerings, and funds allocated for administration, recruitment, comparable coaching, publicity and promotion, and
other support costs. The Commissioner of Education must annually assess the progress of each state college’s plan
and advise the SBE and the Legislature regarding compliance and the Chancellor of the SUS must annually assess
the progress of each state university's plan and advise the BOG and the Legislature regarding compliance. Each
board of trustees of a state college or university must annually evaluate the president on the extent to which the
gender equity goals have been achieved. To determine the proper level of support for women's athletic
scholarships, an equity plan may determine, where appropriate, that support for women's scholarships may be
disproportionate to the support of scholarships for men.
State colleges and universities are also required to be in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of
197251 and the Florida Educational Equity Act52 or they will become ineligible for competitive state grants and
have funding withheld until they are back in compliance or have an approved plan to come into compliance.53
Tuition and Fee Exemption for Homeless Students
In Florida, young adults who meet certain criteria are exempt from paying tuition and fees at school districts that
provide workforce education programs, state colleges, and state universities.54
Among those criteria, a student is eligible if he or she was the subject of a shelter proceeding, a dependency
proceeding, or a termination of parental rights proceeding, and:55
is, or was at the time he or she reached 18 years of age, in out-of-home care.
is, or was at the time he or she reached 18 years of age, in the custody of a relative or nonrelative.56
after spending at least six months in the custody of the Department after reaching 16 years of age, was
placed in a guardianship by the court.
49 Section 1000.05(4)(b), F.S.
50 Section 1006.71(1)(a)-(f), F.S.
51 Section 1000.05, F.S.
52 Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681–1688 (1972).
53 Section 1006.71(g), F.S.
54 Section 1009.25(1), F.S.
55 Section 1009.25(1)(c)1.-6., F.S.
56 See ss. 39.5085 and 39.6225, F.S.
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after reaching 14 years of age and thereafter spending at least 18 months in out-of-home care, was reunited
with his or her parent or parents who were the subject of the dependency proceeding before he or she
reaches 18 years of age. 57 Such a student must be Pell Grant-eligible and the entity imposing the tuition
and fees must verify such eligibility.
was adopted from the Department after May 5, 1997.
was placed in a permanent guardianship, regardless of whether the caregiver participates or participated
in the Relative Caregiver Program,58 and remains in such guardianship until the student either reaches 18
years of age or, if before reaching 18 years of age, he or she enrolls in an eligible institution.
The exemption includes fees associated with enrollment in applied academics for adult education instruction and
remains valid until a student reaches 28 years of age.59
A student who meets the definition of a homeless child or youth under federal law60 is also eligible for the
exemption. Florida uses the same criteria as in federal law to identify students experiencing homelessness, and
also includes individuals who would otherwise meet the definition but for their residence in college or university
dormitory housing. Any student who is determined to be a homeless child or youth for a preceding award year is
presumed to be a homeless child or youth for each subsequent year unless the student informs the institution that
his or her circumstances have changed or the institution has specific conflicting information about the student's
independence, and has informed the student of this information.61
SAAT Degree Programs
In 2024, the Legislature authorized state colleges to offer SAAT degrees for students who need supplemental
lower-division coursework beyond the 60 credits required for an associate in arts degree in preparation for
transfer to another institution.62 An SAAT degree must include 36 semester hours of general education coursework
and require 60 semester hours or more of college credit. The SBE is required to establish criteria for the review
and approval of new SAAT degrees, including a requirement for a college to submit a notice of its intent to propose
a new SAAT degree program to the Division of Florida Colleges. The notice must include the recommended credit
hours, the rationale for the specialization, the demand for students entering the field, and the coursework being
proposed to be included beyond the 60 semester hours required for the general transfer degree, if applicable. The
Division of Florida Colleges must forward the notice of intent within 10 business days to all FCS institutions and to
the Chancellor of the SUS, who must forward the notice to all state universities. State universities and colleges have
60 days after receiving the notice to submit comments to the proposed SAAT degree. After receiving the comments,
the requesting college submits a proposal to the Division of Florida Colleges, which includes responses to the
comments received.63
Commission for Independent Education
The CIE was established in 2001 and is responsible for matters relating to nonpublic postsecondary educational
institutions. The commission’s functions include consumer protection, program improvements, institutional
policies and administration, data management, and the licensure of independent schools, colleges, and
universities.64 Under current law, any college, school, or course that is licensed or approved for establishment and
57 See s. 39.8155, F.S.
58 Section 39.5085, F.S.
59 Section 1009.25(1)(c), F.S.
60 McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, s. 725 (42 U.S.C. s. 11434a(2)).
61 Section 1009.25(1)(e), F.S.; r. 6A-10.087, F.A.C.; Board of Governors Regulation 7.008.
62 Section 1007.25(9), F.S.; r. 6A-14.094, F.A.C.
63 Id. See also Florida Department of Education, Florida College System, SAAT Proposal Approval Process Timeline,
https://www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/administrators/saat.stml (last visited Jan. 24, 2026).
64 Section 1005.21, F.S.; Florida Department of Education, Commission for Independent Education,
https://www.fldoe.org/policy/cie/ (last visited Jan. 24, 2026).
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operation by another state agency is not under the jurisdiction of the CIE and not required to obtain licensure by
the CIE.65
Middle and High School Grading System
The grading system and interpretation of letter grades used to measure student success in grade 6 through grade
12 courses for students in public schools is as follows:66
Grade “A” equals 90 percent through 100 percent, has a grade point average value of 4, and is defined as
“outstanding progress.”
Grade “B” equals 80 percent through 89 percent, has a grade point average value of 3, and is defined as
“above average progress.”
Grade “C” equals 70 percent through 79 percent, has a grade point average value of 2, and is defined as
“average progress.”
Grade “D” equals 60 percent through 69 percent, has a grade point average value of 1, and is defined as
“lowest acceptable progress.”
Grade “F” equals zero percent through 59 percent, has a grade point average value of zero, and is defined as
“failure.”
Grade “I” equals zero percent, has a grade point average value of zero, and is defined as “incomplete.”
For the purposes of class ranking, district school boards are authorized to exercise a weighted grading system.67
School districts and FCS institutions must weigh dual enrollment courses the same as AP, IB, and AICE courses
when GPAs are calculated. Alternative grade calculation systems, alternative grade weighting systems, and
information regarding student education options that discriminate against dual enrollment courses are
prohibited.68
Dual Enrollment
The dual enrollment program is an acceleration mechanism that allows an eligible secondary69 or home education
student to enroll and earn credit in a postsecondary course creditable toward high school completion and career
certificate or an associate or baccalaureate degree.70 Upon successful completion of a dual enrollment course, the
student simultaneously receives credit towards their high school diploma and, a career certificate, an industry
certification, or an associate or baccalaureate degree.71 College credit earned prior to high school graduation may
reduce the average time-to-degree and increase the likelihood of completion of a postsecondary degree.72 Eligible
students are permitted to enroll in dual enrollment courses conducted during and after school hours and during
the summer term.73 The DOE maintains an active list of dual enrollment articulation agreements between Florida’s
state universities, FCS institutions, and career and technical centers.74
65 Section 1005.06(1)(b), F.S. This includes colleges, schools, or courses licensed under part I of chapter 464 (Nurse Practice
Act), chapter 466 (Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, and Dental Laboratories), chapter 475 (Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates,
Schools, and Appraisers), or any other chapter of the Florida Statutes.
66 Section 1003.437, F.S.
67 Sections 1003.437 and 1007.271(18), F.S.
68 Section 1007.271(18), F.S.
69 For purposes of dual enrollment, “secondary” is defined as a student who is enrolled in grades 6-12 in a Florida public
school or Florida private school. Section 1007.271(2), F.S.
70 Section 1007.271(1), F.S. See also r. 6A-14.064, F.A.C.
71 Florida Department of Education, Office of Articulation, Dual Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions, at 1, available at
http://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/5421/urlt/DualEnrollmentFAQ.pdf.
72 Id. See also Florida Department of Education, Dual Enrollment, https://www.fldoe.org/policy/articulation/dual-enrollment-
agreements.stml (last visited Jan. 24, 2026).
73 Section 1007.271(2), F.S. If an eligible student is projected to graduate from high school before the scheduled completion
date of a postsecondary course, the student may not register for that course through dual enrollment.
74 Florida Department of Education, Dual Enrollment, Active List of Dual Enrollment Articulation Agreements,
https://www.fldoe.org/policy/articulation/dual-enrollment-agreements.stml (last visited Jan. 24, 2026).
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A student must meet the following eligibility criteria for initial enrollment in college credit dual enrollment
courses:75
Be enrolled as a student in any of grades 6 through 12 in a Florida public school, Florida private school, or
home education program.
Not be scheduled to graduate from high school prior to the completion of the dual enrollment course.
Have a 3.0 unweighted high school GPA to enroll in college credits or a 2.0 unweighted high school GPA to
enroll in career certificate dual enrollment courses.76
Achieve a minimum score on a common placement test adopted by the SBE or meet alternative methods for
assessing postsecondary readiness adopted by the SBE.77
Meet any additional eligibility criteria specified by the postsecondary institution in the dual enrollment
articulation agreement.
FACT
In 2023, the Legislature established advanced courses developed by the DOE in collaboration with public
postsecondary institutions as an additional acceleration option for students.78 The DOE collaborated with
secondary and postsecondary faculty to develop a high school advanced mathematics course and associated
assessment that will offer students an opportunity to earn college credit in college algebra. The DOE launched a
pilot of the FACT College Algebra in the 2025-26 academic year, coordinated by the Division of Florida Colleges
Florida Student Success Center. Participating secondary instructors received professional learning and will provide
feedback to the DOE on the course. Full statewide implementation is scheduled for the 2026-27 school year.
The FACT College Algebra assessment will be based on the B.E.S.T. Standards within the 9-12 Florida Advanced
College Algebra course and aligned to competencies and outcomes identified in the course curriculum for College
Algebra (MAC X105). The assessment will be offered during the normal spring (March – May) K-12 testing window.
Upon passing the FACT College Algebra assessment, students will receive college credit for MAC X105 good at any
public college or university in the state of Florida. Additionally, students who pass the assessment will be prepared
for courses in the “Algebra through Calculus” postsecondary mathematics pathway, including pre-calculus,
statistics, and/or business calculus.79
Bonuses for Advanced Courses
The Academic Acceleration Options Supplement was created in 2025 to assist school districts in providing
academic acceleration options, career-themed courses, and courses that lead to digital tool certificates and
industry certifications for prekindergarten through grade 12 students. The supplement is allocated based on each
school district’s proportionate share of the state’s total academic acceleration values. The total academic
acceleration options supplement for FY 2025-26 is $596.8 million.80 Acceleration values by program:
75 Section 1007.271(2)-(3) and (13), F.S. Such requirements may not arbitrarily prohibit students who have demonstrated the
ability to master advanced courses and may not limit the number of dual enrollment courses in which a student may enroll
based solely upon enrollment by the student at an independent postsecondary institution.
76 A home education student participating in dual enrollment may not be required to meet the GPA requirement for initial
eligibility if the student demonstrates achievement of college-level communication and computation skills and such eligibility
is included in the articulation agreement. See s. 1007.271(13)(b)2., F.S.
77 See s. 1008.30(1)-(2), F.S. An FCS institution may use alternative methods adopted by the SBE to assess student readiness
for college-level work in communication and computation. See also rr. 6A-14.064 and 6A-10.0315, F.A.C.
78 Section 1007.35(l), F.S.
79 Florida Department of Education, Memorandum, Subject: Florida Advanced Course and Test (FACT) College Algebra (June 13,
2025), available at https://info.fldoe.org/docushare/dsweb/Get/Version-11717/20225-69.pdf.
80 Section 1011.62(17), F.S. Specific Appropriations 5 and 88, s. 2, ch. 2025-198, L.O.F.
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Program Acceleration Qualifying Student Attainment
Value
Advanced Placement (AP) 0.16 FTE Score of three or higher on each College Board AP
Subject examination.81
College Board AP Capstone 0.3 FTE Receives a Capstone Diploma and meets the
Diploma requirements for a standard high school diploma.
82
International Baccalaureate (IB) 0.16 FTE Score of four or higher on the subject examination
or a score of “C” or higher on the Theory of
Knowledge Course.83
IB Diploma 0.3 FTE Receives an IB Diploma.84
Advanced International 0.16 FTE Receives a score of “E” or higher on a full-credit
Certificate of Education (AICE) subject exam.85
0.08 FTE Enrolled in a half-credit class and earns a score of
“E” or higher on the subject exam.86
AICE Diploma 0.3 FTE Receives an AICE Diploma.87
Dual Enrollment 0.16 FTE Enrolled in an early college program and
completes a general education core course with a
grade of “A” or better.88
0.08 FTE Completes a general education core course with a
grade of “A” or completes a career course with a
grade of “A” in a pathway that leads to an industry
certification that is included on the CAPE Industry
Certification Funding List.89
0.3 FTE Receives an associate degree through the dual
enrollment program and earns a 3.0 grade point
average or better.90
Career and Professional 0.025 FTE CAPE Digital Tool certificates earned by students
Education Act (CAPE) in elementary and middle school grades.
Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, this
value only applies to students in elementary
school grades.91
0.1 FTE Completes a career-themed course or a course
with an embedded CAPE Industry Certification
and earns an industry certification that does not
articulate for college credit.92
0.2 FTE Completes a career-themed course or a course
with an embedded CAPE Industry Certification
and earns an industry certification that has a
81 Section 1011.62(17)(c)1., F.S.
82 Id.
83 Section 1011.62(17)(e)1., F.S.
84 Id.
85 Section 1011.62(17)(d)1., F.S.
86 Id.
87 Id.
88 Sections 1007.273 and 1011.62(17)(b)1., F.S.
89 Section 1011.62(17)(b)1., F.S.
90 Id.
91 Section 1011.62(17)(f)1., F.S.
92 Id.
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statewide articulation agreement for college
credit.93
0.3 FTE Completes at least three courses and an industry
certification in a single career and technical
education program or program of study.94
0.5 FTE Completes CAPE Acceleration Industry
Certifications that articulate for 15 to 29 college
credit hours.95
1.0 FTE Completes CAPE Acceleration Industry
Certifications that articulate for 30 or more
college credit hours.96
Early High School Graduation 0.25 FTE Student earns 24 credits and graduates one
semester in advance of the student’s cohort.97
0.50 FTE Student earns 24 credits and graduates one year
or more in advance of the student’s cohort.98
Bonuses for teachers of advanced courses, such as IB courses, AICE courses, and AP courses, are based on students’
achievements of specified scores on course examinations.99
IB- Bonus provides an IB teacher a $50 bonus for each student who scores 4 or higher on the IB
examination or earns a “C” or higher in the Theory of Knowledge course. An IB teacher in a school
designated with a grade of “D” or “F” who has at least one student who scores 4 or higher on the IB or
earns a “C” or higher in the Theory of Knowledge course examination receives an additional $500 bonus.100
AICE- Bonus provides an AICE teacher a $50 bonus for each student in an AICE course, or $25 bonus for
each student in a pre-AICE (half-credit) course, who scores “E” or higher on the corresponding AICE
examination. An AICE teacher in a school designated with a grade of a “D” or “F” receives an additional
$500 bonus if at least one of the teacher’s students’ scores “E” or higher on the AICE examination, or a
$250 bonus for each pre-AICE (half-credit) course taught which has at least one student scoring “E” or
higher on the half-credit AICE examination.101
AP- Bonus provides an AP teacher a $50 bonus for each student who scores 3 or higher on the College
Board AP examination. An AP teacher in a school designated with a grade of “D” or “F” who has at least one
student scoring 3 or higher on the College Board AP examination receives an additional $500 bonus.102
93 Id.
94 Id.
95 Id.
96 Id.
97 Section 1011.62(17)(h)1., F.S.
98 Id.
99 Section 1011.62(1)(l)-(n), F.S.; International Baccalaureate, https://www.ibo.org/ (last visited Jan. 26, 2026).; University of
Cambridge, International Examinations, Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma,
http://www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/uppersec/aice (last visited Jan. 26, 2026).; College Board, Advanced
Placement Program, http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html (last visited Jan. 26, 2026).
100 Section 1011.62(17)(e)2., F.S.
101 Section 1011.62(17)(d)2. a., F.S. Teachers who receive a $500 award for a student earning an E or higher on the AICE
examination are ineligible for the pre-AICE bonus of $250, which applies to students earning an E or higher on the AICE exam
at schools designated as D or F.
102 Section 1011.62(17)(c)2., F.S.
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The table below summarizes the bonuses awarded to teachers based on their students’ achievement criteria on the
respective advanced course examinations.
Annual Teacher Bonuses by Advanced Course
IB AP AICE pre-AICE
Achieved Required Score
$50 $50 $50 $25
(bonus per student)
Achieved Required Score at
D or F School $500 $500 $500 $250
(bonus per teacher)
There are also bonuses for teachers of career courses that lead to the attainment of a CAPE industry certification.
Depending on the certification earned, a school district receives supplemental funding for acceleration courses
with assigned values of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, or 1.0 FTE.103 Teacher bonus funding is awarded for each student taught by
a teacher who provided instruction in a course that led to the student’s attainment of a CAPE industry certification
on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List104, as follows:105
Annual Teacher per-Student CAPE Bonuses
Acceleration Amount
Type of Certificate Earned by Student
Values
0.1 FTE CAPE industry certification that does not articulate to college credit106 $25
0.2 FTE CAPE industry certification that articulates to college credit107 $50
0.3 FTE CAPE industry certification in a single career technical education program108 $75
CAPE acceleration industry certification articulating to 15-29 college credit
0.5 FTE $100
hours109
1.0 FTE CAPE acceleration industry certification articulating to 30+ college credit hours $100
Blind Services
The Florida Division of Blind Services, within the DOE, helps blind and visually impaired individuals achieve their
goals and live their lives with as much independence and self-direction as possible.110 As set forth by the
Legislature in statute, all programs, projects, and activities of the division are to be carried out in a manner
consistent with the following principles:111
103 Section 1011.62 (17)(f), F.S.
104 Sections 1008.44(1) and 445.004(4), F.S. The CAPE Industry Certification Funding List assigns additional funding to
certifications identified in the Master Credentials List under s. 445.004(4), F.S. which meet a statewide, regional, or local
demand, and courses that lead to such certifications. A school district can only receive supplemental funding for regional or
local demand courses and certifications identified as needs for the region or locality in which the school district is located. See
also, Florida Department of Educate, CAPE Industry Certification Funding List (2024-2025), available at
https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/8904/urlt/2425CAPEFundList.pdf.
105 Section 1011.62 (17)(f)2., F.S.
106 Identified in the CAPE Certification Funding List as a CAPE Basic Non-articulated industry certification embedded in a
career-themed course. See s. 1011.62(17)(f)1., F.S.
107 Identified in the CAPE Certification Funding List as a CAPE Basic Articulated industry certification embedded in a career-
themed course and has a statewide articulation agreement for college credit. See s. 1011.62(17)(f)1., F.S.
108 Student must also complete at least three courses in addition to achieving an industry certification in a single career and
technical education program or program of study. See s. 1011.62(17)(f)1., F.S.
109 A CAPE Acceleration industry certification is one identified in the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List that articulates
to 15 or more college credits. See s. 1003.4203(4), F.S.
110 Florida Department of Education, Division of Blind Services, Welcome Message, https://dbs.fldoe.org/ (last visited Jan. 24,
2026).
111 Section 413.011(1), F.S.
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respect for individual dignity, personal responsibility, self-determination to live independently, and pursuit
of meaningful careers, based on informed choice;
support for the involvement of an individual’s representative if an individual requests, desires, or needs
such support;
respect for the individual’s privacy and equal access, including the use of information in accessible formats;
and
integration and full participation of individuals who are blind in society on equal terms with others.
VR Service Providers
The State VR Services Program is authorized by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973112 (Rehabilitation Act), as amended
by Title IV of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).113 This program provides grants to assist
States in operating statewide VR programs, each of which is an integral part of a statewide workforce development
system.114
State VR programs provide VR services for individuals with disabilities, consistent with their strengths, resources,
priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice, so that they may prepare for and engage
in competitive integrated employment or supported employment and achieve economic self-sufficiency. To be
eligible for the VR program, individuals must have a physical or mental impairment that results in a substantial
impediment to employment and who require and can benefit from VR services to achieve employment and
maximize career goals, with priority given to individuals with the most significant disabilities.115
As authorized by the Rehabilitation Act, as amended, Florida has two VR agencies both of which are housed within
the DOE. The Division of Blind Services serves individuals who are blind and the Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation serves all other individuals with disabilities.116
VR service providers must register with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. To qualify for registration, the
division must ensure that the service provider maintains an internal system of quality assurance, has proven
functional systems, and is subject to a due-diligence inquiry as to its fitness to undertake service responsibilities.117
Florida Prepaid College Board
The Florida Prepaid College Board (Board) administers the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program
(prepaid program) and the Florida College Savings Program (savings program), and performs other specified
essential governmental functions.118
112 Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Pub. L. 93-112, 87 Stat. 355.
113 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Pub. L. 113-128.
114 United States Department of Education, State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program,
https://rsa.ed.gov/about/programs/vocational-rehabilitation-state-grants (last visited Jan. 24, 2026).
115 Id.
116 See Part I and Part II, ch. 413, F.S. See also CareerSource Florida, 2024-2028 WIOA Combined Plan, available at
https://careersourceflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-2028-WIOA-Combined-Plan.pdf.
117 Section 413.208(1), F.S.
118 Section 1009.971(1), F.S. See also ss. 1009.97-1009.988, F.S. The Board is assigned to and administratively housed within
the State Board of Administration, but it independently exercises specified powers and duties. The Board consists of seven
members, composed of the Attorney General, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chancellor of the State University System, the
Chancellor of the Division of Florida Colleges, and three members appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by
the Senate. Section 1009.971(1)-(2), F.S.
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In 1989, the Legislature authorized the Board to establish a DSO.119 The Board established the Florida Prepaid
College Foundation, Inc.,120 (Foundation) in 1990 as a public/private partnership to provide scholarships to
students who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to go to college.121
The Foundation administers the Florida Prepaid Tuition Scholarship Program (Scholarship Tuition for At-Risk
Students, or STARS Program).122 This program provides economically disadvantaged youth with prepaid
postsecondary tuition scholarships.123 The Foundation has established additional scholarship programs, which
include the Black History Month Scholarship and the Hispanic Heritage Month Scholarship.124
The Board is required to certify that the Foundation operates in a manner consistent with the goals of the Board
and in the best interest of the state.125 The Foundation is required to be:126
A Florida not-for-profit corporation registered, incorporated, organized, and operated in compliance with
chapter 617.
Organized exclusively to receive, hold, invest, and administer property and to make expenditures on behalf
of the board.
The Foundation has awarded more than 60,900 Florida Prepaid College Plan scholarships, and more than 37,500
Foundation scholarship recipients have gone to college using their benefits.127 The STARS Program remains the
Foundation’s largest initiative, representing 83 percent of the scholarships purchased by the Foundation. 128
Florida ABLE
Congress enacted the ABLE Act (Achieving a Better Life Experience Act) in 2014.129 The ABLE Act permits a state to
implement an ABLE Program and establish ABLE accounts for eligible individuals with disabilities130 to spend
distributions on “qualified disability expenses.”131 The purposes of the ABLE Act are to encourage individuals and
119 Section 1, ch. 89-316, L.O.F.
120 The Foundation was renamed the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Foundation, Inc., in 2012. See Florida Prepaid
College Foundation, Amendment and Name Change (2012), available at
http://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/ByName (search for “Florida Prepaid College Foundation”, then follow
“Florida Prepaid College Foundation, Inc.” hyperlink).
121 Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Foundation, 2024 Annual Report, available at
https://www.floridaprepaidcollegefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2024-Florida-Prepaid-College-
Foundation-Annual-Report.pdf, at 5.
122 Sections 1009.983(8), 1009.984, F.S.; Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Foundation, 2024 Annual Report, available at
https://www.floridaprepaidcollegefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2024-Florida-Prepaid-College-
Foundation-Annual-Report.pdf, at 11.
123
Section 1009.984, F.S.
124
Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Foundation, 2024 Annual Report, available at
https://www.floridaprepaidcollegefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2024-Florida-Prepaid-College-Foundation-Annual-
Report.pdf, at 18.
125
Section 1009.983(1)(c), F.S.
126
Section 1009.983(1), F.S.
127
Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Foundation, 2024 Annual Report, available at
https://www.floridaprepaidcollegefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2024-Florida-Prepaid-College-Foundation-Annual-
Report.pdf, at 4.
128
Id.
129 Pub. L. No. 113-295, 128 Stat. 4056 (Dec. 19, 2014).
130 26 U.S.C. § 529(e). An individual is an eligible individual for a taxable year if during such taxable year: (1) the individual is
entitled to benefits based on blindness or disability under title II or XVI of the Social Security Act, and such blindness or
disability occurred before the date on which the individual attained age 26; or (2) a disability certification with respect to such
individual is filed with the Secretary of Education for such taxable year.
131 26 U.S.C. § 529(e)(5). “Qualified disability expense” is defines as “any expense related to the eligible individual’s blindness
or disability which are made for the benefit of an eligible individual who is the designated beneficiary, including the following
expenses: education, housing, transportation, employment training and support, assistive technology and personal support
services, health, prevention and wellness, financial management and administrative services, legal fees, expenses for
oversight and monitoring, funeral and burial expenses, and other expenses, which are approved by the Secretary under
regulations and consistent with the purposes of this section.”
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families to save money to support individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality of life
and to provide secure funding for disability-related expenses on behalf of designated beneficiaries with disabilities
to supplement benefits provided through other sources.132
The Florida ABLE Program was created in 2015 to encourage and assist the saving of private funds in tax-exempt
accounts in order to pay for the qualified expenses of eligible individuals with disabilities.133 The Florida Prepaid
College Board was required to establish a direct-support organization to be known as “Florida ABLE, Inc.” to
establish and administer the Florida ABLE Program.134
Current law requires the board of directors of the Florida ABLE program to consist of:
The chair of Florida Prepaid, or his or her designee.
One individual who possesses knowledge, skill, and experience in the areas of accounting, risk
management, or investment management, who must be appointed by Florida Prepaid. A current member of
Florida Prepaid, other than the chair, may be appointed.
One individual who possesses knowledge, skill, and experience in the areas of accounting, risk
management, or investment management, who must be appointed by the Governor.
Two individuals who are advocates of persons with disabilities, one of whom must be appointed by the
President of the Senate and one of whom must be appointed by the Speaker of the House of
Representatives. At least one of the individuals appointed must be an advocate of persons with
developmental disabilities, as that term is defined in statute.135
Currently, the Governor-appointee and the individuals appointed by the President of the Senate and Speaker of the
House all serve 3-year terms and each may be reappointed for up to one consecutive term. The board of directors
annually elects a board member to serve as chair.136
RECENT LEGISLATION:
YEAR BILL #/SUBJECT HOUSE/SENATE OTHER INFORMATION
SPONSOR(S)
2025 CS/CS/SB 584 - Young Adult Housing Rizo/ Garcia Became law on June 27, 2025.
Support
2025 SB 2510 - Prekindergarten Through Grade Persons-Mulicka/ Hooper Became law on June 30, 2025.
12 Education
2023 CS/CS/CS/HB 1537 - Education Rizo, Daniels/ Avila Became law on May 9, 2023.
2023 CS/CS/CS/SB 266 - Higher Education Andrade/ Grall Became law on May 15, 2023.
2022 CS/CS/HB 1577 - Homeless Youth Woodson/ Garcia Became law on April 6, 2022.
2022 SB 2524 - Education Plasencia/ Stargel Became law on June 2, 2022.
2022 CS/HB 7 - Individual Freedom Avila/ Stargel Became law on April 22, 2022.
132 26 U.S.C. § 529(b).
133 Section 2, ch. 2015-56, L.O.F.
134 Section 1009.986(3), F.S.
135 Sections 393.063 and 1009.986(3)(d)1., F.S.
136 Section 1009.986(3)(d)2.b.-c., F.S.
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BILL HISTORY
STAFF
DIRECTOR/ ANALYSIS
COMMITTEE REFERENCE ACTION DATE POLICY CHIEF PREPARED BY
Orig. Comm.: Careers & Workforce Kiner Blalock
Subcommittee
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1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to education; creating s. 413.0114,
3 F.S.; requiring certain persons and entities to
4 complete a written consumer disclosure for blind-
5 related services; authorizing the State Board of
6 Education to adopt rules; amending s. 413.208, F.S.;
7 requiring certain service providers to apply to the
8 Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; requiring the
9 division to establish qualifications for certain
10 service providers and an application process and
11 period for such service providers; providing division
12 and service provider requirements relating to such
13 process; providing reporting and evaluation system
14 requirements for the division relating to service
15 provider effectiveness; providing requirements for
16 rates for vocational rehabilitation services; amending
17 s. 1001.7065, F.S.; revising certain academic and
18 research excellence standards for preeminent state
19 research universities; providing that such
20 universities are ineligible for specified funding
21 under certain circumstances; amending s. 1001.92,
22 F.S.; revising state university performance-based
23 metrics for the award of a State University System
24 Performance-Based Incentive; amending s. 1003.437,
25 F.S.; requiring the State Board of Education to
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26 establish a uniform weighted grading system for
27 specified courses and articulated acceleration
28 mechanisms; requiring district school boards to use
29 such system for specified purposes; amending s.
30 1004.06, F.S.; revising construction for the
31 prohibition of certain expenditures; creating s.
32 1004.072, F.S.; providing limitations for student
33 enrollment in a state university; amending s. 1004.39,
34 F.S.; revising provisions relating to the College of
35 Law at Florida International University; amending s.
36 1004.40, F.S.; revising provisions relating to the
37 College of Law at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical
38 University; amending s. 1005.06, F.S.; prohibiting
39 certain postsecondary institutions from being exempt
40 from the purview of the Commission for Independent
41 Education; amending s. 1006.71, F.S.; deleting a
42 requirement that public postsecondary educational
43 institutions develop a gender equity plan; amending s.
44 1007.25, F.S.; revising the number of days public
45 postsecondary educational institutions have to submit
46 comments for certain proposed degrees; prohibiting
47 such institutions from imposing certain institution-
48 wide graduation requirements; amending s. 1007.271,
49 F.S.; revising postsecondary institution eligibility
50 for participation in dual enrollment programs;
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51 revising provisions relating to the calculation of
52 student grade point averages; amending s. 1008.47,
53 F.S.; revising the period of time in which a public
54 postsecondary institution must seek and obtain
55 specified accreditation; revising the accrediting
56 agencies such institutions may seek accreditation
57 from; providing that certain provisions apply to
58 programmatic accreditors for postsecondary education
59 institutions; amending s. 1009.25, F.S.; revising the
60 requirements for a student to meet the definition of
61 "homeless children and youths"; amending s. 1009.40,
62 F.S.; requiring a person to be a United States citizen
63 or lawfully present in the United States to receive
64 state financial aid awards and tuition assistance
65 grants; amending s. 1009.895, F.S.; conforming a
66 cross-reference to changes made by the act; amending
67 s. 1009.983, F.S.; revising provisions relating to the
68 board of directors of the Florida Prepaid College
69 Foundation, Inc.; amending s. 1009.986, F.S.; revising
70 provisions relating to the board of directors of the
71 Florida ABLE program; amending s. 1011.62, F.S.;
72 revising the procedure to determine Florida Education
73 Finance Program funds; providing a method for
74 calculating additional full-time equivalent membership
75 based on advanced courses and test scores; providing
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76 specified bonuses; providing an effective date.
77
78 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
79
80 Section 1. Section 413.0114, Florida Statutes, is created
81 to read:
82 413.0114 Consumer disclosure for blind-related services.—
83 (1) Any person, business, nonprofit, or other entity
84 offering fee-based services to persons who are blind or visually
85 impaired must, before entering into a contract or accepting
86 payment, disclose in writing if equivalent or substantially
87 similar services may be available at no cost through the
88 Division of Blind Services or another public agency.
89 (2) The written disclosure must:
90 (a) Be provided in plain language and an accessible
91 format, including, but not limited to, braille, large print, or
92 audio upon request.
93 (b) Include contact information for the Division of Blind
94 Services.
95 (c) Be signed or electronically acknowledged by the
96 consumer or his or her representative.
97 (3) A violation of this section constitutes an unfair or
98 deceptive trade practice under part II of chapter 501, and is
99 subject to penalties and enforcement as provided therein.
100 (4) The State Board of Education may adopt rules to
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101 implement this section.
102 Section 2. Subsection (1) of section 413.208, Florida
103 Statutes, is amended to read:
104 413.208 Service providers; quality assurance; fitness for
105 responsibilities; background screening.—
106 (1) Service providers must apply to register with the
107 division. To qualify for approval, a registration, The division
108 must ensure that the service provider must maintain maintains an
109 internal system of quality assurance, have has proven functional
110 systems, meet the minimum qualifications, and be is subject to a
111 due-diligence inquiry as to its fitness to undertake service
112 responsibilities.
113 (a) The division shall establish minimum qualifications
114 for service providers. The division may approve or deny any
115 service provider application. The division shall establish an
116 annual application period for service providers to submit
117 applications. Beginning January 1, 2027, only service providers
118 that meet the minimum qualifications established by the
119 division, and that have been approved to provide employment-
120 related services to individuals with disabilities, may
121 participate in the vocational rehabilitation program.
122 (b) The division shall develop and make publicly available
123 an annual report of service provider effectiveness which
124 includes an evaluation system measuring the effectiveness of all
125 service providers that are approved by the division to provide
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126 employment-related services to individuals with disabilities.
127 (c) In order to maintain approved status with the
128 division, service providers must meet minimum standards of
129 effectiveness in the provision of vocational rehabilitation
130 services, including placement of individuals in competitive and
131 integrated employment.
132 (d) Rates for vocational rehabilitation services must be
133 allocable, reasonable, and necessary, as determined by the
134 division.
135 Section 3. Paragraph (d) of subsection (2) and paragraph
136 (c) of subsection (5) of section 1001.7065, Florida Statutes,
137 are amended to read:
138 1001.7065 Preeminent state research universities program.—
139 (2) ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH EXCELLENCE STANDARDS.—The
140 following academic and research excellence standards are
141 established for the preeminent state research universities
142 program and shall be reported annually in the Board of Governors
143 Accountability Plan:
144 (d) A 4-year graduation rate of 60 percent or higher for
145 full-time, first-time-in-college students, excluding those
146 enrolled in baccalaureate degree programs in engineering that
147 require more than 120 semester hours.
148 (5) PREEMINENT STATE RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES PROGRAM
149 SUPPORT.—
150 (c) The award of funds under this subsection is contingent
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151 upon funding provided by the Legislature to support the
152 preeminent state research universities program created under
153 this section. Funding increases appropriated beyond the amounts
154 funded in the previous fiscal year shall be distributed to each
155 designated preeminent state research university that meets the
156 criteria in paragraph (a). Each designated preeminent state
157 research university shall receive an equal amount of funding.
158 Each preeminent state research university must maintain a fall
159 full-time, first-time-in-college enrollment ratio comprised of
160 at least 95 percent Florida residents based on a three year
161 average. Beginning July 1, 2030, a preeminent state research
162 university that fails to meet this requirement is ineligible for
163 funding under this section.
164 Section 4. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section
165 1001.92, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
166 1001.92 State University System Performance-Based
167 Incentive.—
168 (1) A State University System Performance-Based Incentive
169 shall be awarded to state universities using performance-based
170 metrics adopted by the Board of Governors of the State
171 University System. Beginning with the Board of Governors'
172 determination of each university's performance improvement and
173 achievement ratings, and the related distribution of annual
174 fiscal year appropriation, the performance-based metrics must
175 include:
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176 (a) The 4-year graduation rate for first-time-in-college
177 students, excluding those enrolled in baccalaureate degree
178 programs in engineering that require more than 120 semester
179 hours;
180
181 The Board of Governors may approve other metrics in a publicly
182 noticed meeting. The board shall adopt benchmarks to evaluate
183 each state university's performance on the metrics to measure
184 the state university's achievement of institutional excellence
185 or need for improvement and minimum requirements for eligibility
186 to receive performance funding. Benchmarks and metrics may not
187 be adjusted after university performance data has been received
188 by the Board of Governors.
189 Section 5. Section 1003.437, Florida Statutes, is amended
190 to read:
191 1003.437 Middle and high school grading system.—The
192 grading system and interpretation of letter grades used to
193 measure student success in grade 6 through grade 12 courses for
194 students in public schools shall be as follows:
195 (1) Grade "A" equals 90 percent through 100 percent, has a
196 grade point average value of 4, and is defined as "outstanding
197 progress."
198 (2) Grade "B" equals 80 percent through 89 percent, has a
199 grade point average value of 3, and is defined as "above average
200 progress."
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201 (3) Grade "C" equals 70 percent through 79 percent, has a
202 grade point average value of 2, and is defined as "average
203 progress."
204 (4) Grade "D" equals 60 percent through 69 percent, has a
205 grade point average value of 1, and is defined as "lowest
206 acceptable progress."
207 (5) Grade "F" equals zero percent through 59 percent, has
208 a grade point average value of zero, and is defined as
209 "failure."
210 (6) Grade "I" equals zero percent, has a grade point
211 average value of zero, and is defined as "incomplete."
212
213 The State Board of Education must establish a statewide uniform
214 weighted grading system for honors courses and articulated
215 acceleration mechanisms identified in s. 1007.27. For the
216 purposes of class ranking, District school boards shall use the
217 may exercise a weighted grading system to calculate weighted
218 high school grade point averages pursuant to s. 1007.271.
219 Section 6. Subsection (3) of section 1004.06, Florida
220 Statutes, is amended to read:
221 1004.06 Prohibited expenditures.—
222 (3) Subsection (2) does not prohibit programs, campus
223 activities, or functions required for compliance with general or
224 federal laws or regulations; for obtaining or retaining
225 institutional or discipline-specific accreditation with the
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226 approval of either the State Board of Education or the Board of
227 Governors; or for access programs for military veterans, Pell
228 Grant recipients, first generation college students,
229 nontraditional students, "2+2" transfer students from the
230 Florida College System, students from low-income families, or
231 students with unique abilities.
232 Section 7. Section 1004.072, Florida Statutes, is created
233 to read:
234 1004.072 Enrollment of noncitizen and nonresident students
235 at state universities.—Based on the limitation on systemwide
236 enrollment of nonresident degree-seeking students established by
237 regulation of the Board of Governors, a state university must
238 limit, within its enrollment of nonresident students, the number
239 of enrolled nonresident degree-seeking students who are
240 noncitizens and who are not permanent residents of the United
241 States to no more than 5 percent from any specific country.
242 Section 8. Subsections (3), (4), and (5) of section
243 1004.39, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
244 1004.39 College of law at Florida International
245 University.—
246 (3) The college of law at Florida International
247 University, to the extent consistent with the standards required
248 by the American Bar Association or any other a nationally
249 recognized association for the accreditation of colleges of law,
250 shall develop a law library collection utilizing electronic
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251 formats and mediums.
252 (4) The college of law at Florida International University
253 shall develop and institute a program that is consistent with
254 sound legal education principles as determined by the American
255 Bar Association or any other a nationally recognized association
256 for the accreditation of colleges of law and that, to the extent
257 consistent with such sound legal education principles, is
258 structured to serve the legal needs of traditionally underserved
259 portions of the population by providing an opportunity for
260 participation in a legal clinic program or pro bono legal
261 service.
262 (5) The Florida International University Board of Trustees
263 and the Board of Governors may accept grants, donations, gifts,
264 and moneys available for this purpose, including moneys for
265 planning and constructing the college. The Florida International
266 University Board of Trustees may procure and accept any federal
267 funds that are available for the planning, creation, and
268 establishment of the college of law. If the American Bar
269 Association or any other a nationally recognized association for
270 the accreditation of colleges of law issues a third disapproval
271 of an application for provisional approval or for full approval
272 or fails to grant, within 5 years following the graduation of
273 the first class, a provisional approval, to the college of law
274 at Florida International University, the Board of Governors
275 shall make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature
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276 as to whether the college of law will cease operations at the
277 end of the full academic year subsequent to the receipt by the
278 college of law of any such third disapproval, or whether the
279 college of law will continue operations and any conditions for
280 continued operations. If the college of law ceases operations
281 pursuant to this section, the following conditions apply:
282 (a) The authority for the college of law at Florida
283 International University and the authority of the Florida
284 International University Board of Trustees and the Board of
285 Governors provided in this section shall terminate upon the
286 cessation of operations of the college of law at Florida
287 International University. The college of law at Florida
288 International University shall receive no moneys allocated for
289 the planning, construction, or operation of the college of law
290 after its cessation of operations other than moneys to be
291 expended for the cessation of operations of the college of law.
292 Any moneys allocated to the college of law at Florida
293 International University not expended prior to or scheduled to
294 be expended after the date of the cessation of the college of
295 law shall be appropriated for other use by the Legislature of
296 the State of Florida.
297 (b) Any buildings of the college of law at Florida
298 International University constructed from the expenditure of
299 capital outlay funds appropriated by the Legislature shall be
300 owned by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust
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301 Fund and managed by the Florida International University Board
302 of Trustees upon the cessation of the college of law.
303 Section 9. Subsections (3), (4), and (5) of section
304 1004.40, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
305 1004.40 College of law at Florida Agricultural and
306 Mechanical University.—
307 (3) The college of law at Florida Agricultural and
308 Mechanical University, to the extent consistent with the
309 standards required by the American Bar Association or any other
310 a nationally recognized association for the accreditation of
311 colleges of law, shall develop a law library collection
312 utilizing electronic formats and mediums.
313 (4) The college of law at Florida Agricultural and
314 Mechanical University shall develop and institute a program that
315 is consistent with sound legal education principles as
316 determined by the American Bar Association or any other a
317 nationally recognized association for the accreditation of
318 colleges of law and that, to the extent consistent with such
319 sound legal education principles, is structured to serve the
320 legal needs of traditionally underserved portions of the
321 population by providing an opportunity for participation in a
322 legal clinic program or pro bono legal service.
323 (5) The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
324 Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors may accept grants,
325 donations, gifts, and moneys available for this purpose,
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326 including moneys for planning and constructing the college. The
327 Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Board of Trustees
328 may procure and accept any federal funds that are available for
329 the planning, creation, and establishment of the college of law.
330 If the American Bar Association or any other a nationally
331 recognized association for the accreditation of colleges of law
332 issues a third disapproval of an application for provisional
333 approval or for full approval or fails to grant, within 5 years
334 following the graduation of the first class, a provisional
335 approval, to the college of law at Florida Agricultural and
336 Mechanical University, the Board of Governors shall make
337 recommendations to the Governor and Legislature as to whether
338 the college of law will cease operations at the end of the full
339 academic year subsequent to the receipt by the college of law of
340 any such third disapproval, or whether the college of law will
341 continue operations and any conditions for continued operations.
342 If the college of law ceases operations of the college of law
343 pursuant to this section, the following conditions apply:
344 (a) The authority for the college of law at Florida
345 Agricultural and Mechanical University and the authority of the
346 Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Board of Trustees
347 and the Board of Governors provided in this section shall
348 terminate upon the cessation of operations of the college of law
349 at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. The college
350 of law at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University shall
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351 receive no moneys allocated for the planning, construction, or
352 operation of the college of law after its cessation of
353 operations other than moneys to be expended for the cessation of
354 operations of the college of law. Any moneys allocated to the
355 college of law at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
356 not expended prior to or scheduled to be expended after the date
357 of the cessation of the college of law shall be appropriated for
358 other use by the Legislature of the State of Florida.
359 (b) Any buildings of the college of law at Florida
360 Agricultural and Mechanical University constructed from the
361 expenditure of capital outlay funds appropriated by the
362 Legislature shall be owned by the Board of Trustees of the
363 Internal Improvement Trust Fund and managed by the Florida
364 Agricultural and Mechanical University Board of Trustees upon
365 the cessation of the college of law.
366 Section 10. Paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section
367 1005.06, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
368 1005.06 Institutions not under the jurisdiction or purview
369 of the commission.—
370 (1) Except as otherwise provided in law, the following
371 institutions are not under the jurisdiction or purview of the
372 commission and are not required to obtain licensure:
373 (b) Any college or, school, or course licensed or approved
374 for establishment and operation by another agency of the state.
375 Colleges or schools approved by another state agency to offer
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376 one or more courses or programs under part I of chapter 464,
377 chapter 466, or chapter 475, or any other chapter of the Florida
378 Statutes may not qualify for exemption from the commission's
379 jurisdiction under this subsection requiring licensing or
380 approval as defined in this chapter.
381 Section 11. Subsection (1) of section 1006.71, Florida
382 Statutes, is amended to read:
383 1006.71 Gender equity in intercollegiate athletics.—
384 (1) PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH TITLE IX AND THE
385 FLORIDA EDUCATIONAL EQUITY ACT GENDER EQUITY PLAN.—
386 (a) Each Florida College System institution and state
387 university shall develop a gender equity plan pursuant to s.
388 1000.05.
389 (b) The plan shall include consideration of equity in
390 sports offerings, participation, availability of facilities,
391 scholarship offerings, and funds allocated for administration,
392 recruitment, comparable coaching, publicity and promotion, and
393 other support costs.
394 (c) The Commissioner of Education shall annually assess
395 the progress of each Florida College System institution's plan
396 and advise the State Board of Education and the Legislature
397 regarding compliance.
398 (d) The Chancellor of the State University System shall
399 annually assess the progress of each state university's plan and
400 advise the Board of Governors and the Legislature regarding
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401 compliance.
402 (e) Each board of trustees of a Florida College System
403 institution or state university shall annually evaluate the
404 presidents on the extent to which the gender equity goals have
405 been achieved.
406 (f) To determine the proper level of support for women's
407 athletic scholarships, an equity plan may determine, where
408 appropriate, that support for women's scholarships may be
409 disproportionate to the support of scholarships for men.
410 (a)(g)1. If a Florida College System institution is not in
411 compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and
412 the Florida Educational Equity Act, the State Board of Education
413 shall:
414 1.a. Declare the Florida College System institution
415 ineligible for competitive state grants.
416 2.b. Withhold funds sufficient to obtain compliance.
417
418 The Florida College System institution shall remain ineligible
419 and the funds shall not be paid until the Florida College System
420 institution comes into compliance or the Commissioner of
421 Education approves a plan for compliance.
422 (b)2. If a state university is not in compliance with
423 Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Florida
424 Educational Equity Act, the Board of Governors shall:
425 1.a. Declare the state university ineligible for
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426 competitive state grants.
427 2.b. Withhold funds sufficient to obtain compliance.
428
429 The state university shall remain ineligible and the funds shall
430 not be paid until the state university comes into compliance or
431 the Board of Governors approves a plan for compliance.
432 Section 12. Paragraph (b) of subsection (9) of section
433 1007.25, Florida Statutes, is amended, and subsection (15) is
434 added to that section, to read:
435 1007.25 General education courses; common prerequisites;
436 other degree requirements.—
437 (9)
438 (b) An associate in arts specialized transfer degree must
439 include 36 semester hours of general education coursework and
440 require 60 semester hours or more of college credit. Specialized
441 transfer degrees are designed for Florida College System
442 institution students who need supplemental lower-level
443 coursework in preparation for transfer to another institution.
444 The State Board of Education shall establish criteria for the
445 review and approval of new specialized transfer degrees. The
446 approval process must require:
447 1. A Florida College System institution to submit a notice
448 of its intent to propose a new associate in arts specialized
449 degree program to the Division of Florida Colleges. The notice
450 must include the recommended credit hours, the rationale for the
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451 specialization, the demand for students entering the field, and
452 the coursework being proposed to be included beyond the 60
453 semester hours required for the general transfer degree, if
454 applicable. Notices of intent may be submitted by a Florida
455 College System institution at any time.
456 2. The Division of Florida Colleges to forward the notice
457 of intent within 10 business days after receipt to all Florida
458 College System institutions and to the Chancellor of the State
459 University System, who shall forward the notice to all state
460 universities. State universities and Florida College System
461 institutions shall have 30 60 days after receipt of the notice
462 to submit comments to the proposed associate in arts specialized
463 transfer degree.
464 3. After the submission of comments pursuant to
465 subparagraph 2., the requesting Florida College System
466 institution to submit a proposal that, at a minimum, includes:
467 a. Evidence that the coursework for the associate in arts
468 specialized transfer degree includes demonstration of competency
469 in a foreign language pursuant to s. 1007.262 and demonstration
470 of civic literacy competency as provided in subsection (5).
471 b. Demonstration that all required coursework will count
472 toward the associate in arts degree or the baccalaureate degree.
473 c. An analysis of demand and unmet need for students
474 entering the specialized field of study at the baccalaureate
475 level.
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476 d. Justification for the program length if it exceeds 60
477 credit hours, including references to the common prerequisite
478 manual or other requirements for the baccalaureate degree. This
479 includes documentation of alignment between the exit
480 requirements of a Florida College System institution and the
481 admissions requirements of a baccalaureate program at a state
482 university to which students would typically transfer.
483 e. Articulation agreements for graduates of the associate
484 in arts specialized transfer degree.
485 f. Responses to the comments received under subparagraph
486 2.
487 (15) A Florida College System institution or state
488 university may not impose an institution-wide graduation
489 requirement that includes a course that is in conflict with
490 paragraph (3)(c).
491 Section 13. Subsections (1), (16), and (18) of section
492 1007.271, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
493 1007.271 Dual enrollment programs.—
494 (1) The dual enrollment program is the enrollment of an
495 eligible Florida secondary student or Florida home education
496 student in a postsecondary course creditable toward high school
497 completion and a career certificate or an associate or
498 baccalaureate degree. Postsecondary institutions eligible to
499 participate in the dual enrollment program are Florida College
500 System institutions, state universities, and eligible not-for-
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501 profit, independent colleges and universities pursuant to s.
502 1011.62(1)(i). A student who is enrolled in postsecondary
503 instruction that is not creditable toward a high school diploma
504 may not be classified as a dual enrollment student.
505 (16) Students who meet the eligibility requirements of
506 this section and who choose to participate in dual enrollment
507 programs are exempt from the payment of registration, tuition,
508 and laboratory fees.
509 (18) School districts and postsecondary Florida College
510 System institutions must weigh dual enrollment courses pursuant
511 to s. 1003.437 the same as advanced placement, International
512 Baccalaureate, and Advanced International Certificate of
513 Education courses when grade point averages are calculated. High
514 school grade point averages must be calculated based on the high
515 school credit earned by the student in each course. Alternative
516 grade calculation systems, alternative grade weighting systems,
517 and information regarding student education options that
518 discriminate against dual enrollment courses are prohibited.
519 Section 14. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (2) and
520 subsection (3) of section 1008.47, Florida Statutes, are amended
521 to read:
522 1008.47 Postsecondary education institution
523 accreditation.—
524 (2) ACCREDITATION.—
525 (a) By September 1, 2022, The Board of Governors or the
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526 State Board of Education, as applicable, shall identify and
527 determine the accrediting agencies or associations best suited
528 to serve as an accreditor for public postsecondary institutions.
529 Such accrediting agencies or associations must be recognized by
530 the database created and maintained by the United States
531 Department of Education. Within 3 years In the year following
532 reaffirmation or fifth-year review by its accrediting agencies
533 or associations, each public postsecondary institution must seek
534 and obtain accreditation from an accrediting agency or
535 association identified by the Board of Governors or State Board
536 of Education, respectively, before its next reaffirmation or
537 fifth-year review date. The requirements in this section are
538 limited to a one-time change in accreditation. The requirements
539 of this subsection are not applicable to those professional,
540 graduate, departmental, or certificate programs at public
541 postsecondary institutions that have specific accreditation
542 requirements or best practices, including, but not limited to,
543 law, pharmacy, engineering, or other similarly situated
544 educational programs.
545 (b) Once a public postsecondary institution is required to
546 seek and obtain accreditation from an agency or association
547 identified pursuant to paragraph (a), the institution shall seek
548 accreditation from an a regional accrediting agency or
549 association and provide quarterly reports of its progress to the
550 Board of Governors or State Board of Education, as applicable.
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551 If each regional accreditation agency or association identified
552 pursuant to paragraph (a) has refused to grant candidacy status
553 to an institution, the institution must seek and obtain
554 accreditation from any accrediting agency or association that is
555 different from its current accrediting agency or association and
556 is recognized by the database created and maintained by the
557 United States Department of Education. If a public postsecondary
558 institution is not granted candidacy status before its next
559 reaffirmation or fifth-year review date, the institution may
560 remain with its current accrediting agency or association.
561 (3) PROHIBITION.—Notwithstanding any other provision of
562 law, an accrediting agency or association, including
563 programmatic accreditors, may not compel any public
564 postsecondary institution to violate state law, and any adverse
565 action upon the institution based upon the institution's
566 compliance with state law constitutes a violation of this
567 section that may be enforced through subsection (4), except to
568 the extent that state law is preempted by a federal law that
569 recognizes the necessity of the accreditation standard or
570 requirement.
571 Section 15. Paragraph (e) of subsection (1) of section
572 1009.25, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
573 1009.25 Fee exemptions.—
574 (1) The following students are exempt from the payment of
575 tuition and fees, including lab fees, at a school district that
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576 provides workforce education programs, Florida College System
577 institution, or state university:
578 (e) A student who meets the definition of homeless
579 children and youths in s. 725 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless
580 Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. s. 11434a(2), as previously determined
581 by a public school in the state, and whose physical presence is
582 in the state for the duration of the tuition and fee exemption.
583 This includes a student who would otherwise meet the
584 requirements of this paragraph, as determined by a college or
585 university, but for his or her residence in college or
586 university dormitory housing. The State Board of Education may
587 adopt rules and the Board of Governors may adopt regulations
588 regarding documentation and procedures to implement this
589 paragraph. Such rules and regulations must consider
590 documentation of a student's circumstance to be adequate if such
591 documentation meets the standards under 20 U.S.C. s. 1087uu-
592 2(a). Any student who is determined to be a homeless child or
593 youth for a preceding award year is presumed to be a homeless
594 child or youth for each subsequent year unless the student
595 informs the institution that the student's circumstances have
596 changed or the institution has specific conflicting information
597 about the student's independence, and has informed the student
598 of this information.
599 Section 16. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section
600 1009.40, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
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601 1009.40 General requirements for student eligibility for
602 state financial aid awards and tuition assistance grants.—
603 (1)(a) The general requirements for eligibility of
604 students for state financial aid awards and tuition assistance
605 grants consist of the following:
606 1. United States citizenship or lawful presence in the
607 United States.
608 2.1. Achievement of the academic requirements of and
609 acceptance at a state university or Florida College System
610 institution; a nursing diploma school approved by the Florida
611 Board of Nursing; a Florida college or university which is
612 accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the State
613 Board of Education; a Florida institution the credits of which
614 are acceptable for transfer to state universities; a career
615 center; or a private career institution accredited by an
616 accrediting agency recognized by the State Board of Education.
617 3.2. Residency in this state for no less than 1 year
618 preceding the award of aid or a tuition assistance grant for a
619 program established pursuant to s. 1009.50, s. 1009.505, s.
620 1009.51, s. 1009.52, s. 1009.521, s. 1009.53, s. 1009.60, s.
621 1009.62, s. 1009.72, s. 1009.73, s. 1009.75, s. 1009.77, s.
622 1009.89, or s. 1009.894. Residency in this state must be for
623 purposes other than to obtain an education. Resident status for
624 purposes of receiving state financial aid awards shall be
625 determined in the same manner as resident status for tuition
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626 purposes pursuant to s. 1009.21.
627 4.3. Submission of certification attesting to the
628 accuracy, completeness, and correctness of information provided
629 to demonstrate a student's eligibility to receive state
630 financial aid awards or tuition assistance grants. Falsification
631 of such information shall result in the denial of a pending
632 application and revocation of an award or grant currently held
633 to the extent that no further payments shall be made.
634 Additionally, students who knowingly make false statements in
635 order to receive state financial aid awards or tuition
636 assistance grants commit a misdemeanor of the second degree
637 subject to the provisions of s. 837.06 and shall be required to
638 return all state financial aid awards or tuition assistance
639 grants wrongfully obtained.
640 Section 17. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section
641 1009.895, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
642 1009.895 Open Door Grant Program.—
643 (2) ELIGIBILITY.—In order to be eligible for the program,
644 a student must:
645 (a) Meet the requirements under s. 1009.40(1)(a)3. and 4.
646 s. 1009.40(1)(a)2. and 3.;
647
648 An institution may not impose additional criteria to determine a
649 student's eligibility to receive a grant under this section.
650 Section 18. Subsection (5) of section 1009.983, Florida
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651 Statutes, is amended to read:
652 1009.983 Direct-support organization; authority.—
653 (5) The chair of the board or a designee who possesses
654 knowledge, skill, and experience in the areas of accounting,
655 risk management, or investment management, shall serve as a
656 director of the direct-support organization. The chair and the
657 executive director of the board shall jointly name, at a
658 minimum, four other individuals to serve as directors of the
659 organization.
660 Section 19. Paragraph (d) of subsection (3) of section
661 1009.986, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
662 1009.986 Florida ABLE program.—
663 (3) DIRECT-SUPPORT ORGANIZATION; FLORIDA ABLE, INC.—
664 (d)1. The board of directors of Florida ABLE, Inc., shall
665 consist of:
666 a. The chair of the Florida Prepaid College Board, or his
667 or her a designee who possesses knowledge, skill, and experience
668 in the areas of accounting, risk management, or investment
669 management.
670 b. Up to three individuals who possess knowledge, skill,
671 and experience in the areas of accounting, risk management, or
672 investment management, one of whom may be a current member of
673 the Florida Prepaid College Board, who shall be appointed by the
674 Florida Prepaid College Board.
675 c. One individual who possesses knowledge, skill, and
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676 experience in the areas of accounting, risk management, or
677 investment management, who shall be appointed by the Governor.
678 d. Two individuals who are advocates of persons with
679 disabilities, one of whom shall be appointed by the President of
680 the Senate and one of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of
681 the House of Representatives. At least one of the individuals
682 appointed under this sub-subparagraph must be an advocate of
683 persons with developmental disabilities, as that term is defined
684 in s. 393.063.
685 2.a. The term of the appointees under sub-subparagraph
686 1.b. shall be up to 3 years as determined by the Florida Prepaid
687 College Board. Such appointees may be reappointed.
688 b. The term of the appointees under sub-subparagraphs 1.c.
689 and d. shall be 3 years. Such appointees may be reappointed.
690 3. Unless authorized by the board of directors of Florida
691 ABLE, Inc., an individual director has no authority to control
692 or direct the operations of Florida ABLE, Inc., or the actions
693 of its officers and employees.
694 4. The board of directors of Florida ABLE, Inc.:
695 a. Shall meet at least quarterly and at other times upon
696 the call of the chair.
697 b. May use any method of telecommunications to conduct, or
698 establish a quorum at, its meetings or the meetings of a
699 subcommittee or other subdivision if the public is given proper
700 notice of the telecommunications meeting and provided reasonable
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701 access to observe and, if appropriate, to participate.
702 c. Shall annually elect a board member to serve as chair.
703 5. A majority of the total current membership of the board
704 of directors of Florida ABLE, Inc., constitutes a quorum of the
705 board.
706 6. Members of the board of directors of Florida ABLE,
707 Inc., and the board's subcommittees or other subdivisions shall
708 serve without compensation; however, the members may be
709 reimbursed for reasonable, necessary, and actual travel expenses
710 pursuant to s. 112.061.
711 Section 20. Paragraph (h) is added to subsection (17) of
712 section 1011.62, Florida Statutes, and existing paragraphs (h)
713 and (i), are renumbered, to read:
714 1011.62 Funds for operation of schools.—If the annual
715 allocation from the Florida Education Finance Program to each
716 district for operation of schools is not determined in the
717 annual appropriations act or the substantive bill implementing
718 the annual appropriations act, it shall be determined as
719 follows:
720 (17) ACADEMIC ACCELERATION OPTIONS SUPPLEMENT.—The
721 academic acceleration options supplement is created to assist
722 school districts in providing academic acceleration options,
723 career-themed courses, and courses that lead to digital tool
724 certificates and industry certifications for prekindergarten
725 through grade 12 students and shall be allocated annually in the
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726 General Appropriations Act.
727 (h) Calculation of additional full-time equivalent
728 membership based on Florida advanced courses and tests scores of
729 students.—A value of 0.16 full-time equivalent student
730 membership shall be calculated for each student in a Florida
731 advanced course who achieves a minimum score on an assessment
732 identified by the Department of Education pursuant to s.
733 1007.27(2) and added to the total full-time equivalent student
734 membership in basic programs for grades 9 through 12 in the
735 subsequent fiscal year. Each district shall allocate at least 80
736 percent of the funds provided to the district for advanced
737 course instruction, in accordance with this paragraph, to the
738 high school that generates the funds. The school district shall
739 distribute to each classroom teacher who provided advanced
740 course instruction:
741 1. A bonus in the amount of $50 for each student taught by
742 the Florida advanced course teacher in each Florida advanced
743 course who achieves a minimum score on an assessment identified
744 by the Department of Education pursuant to s. 1007.27(2).
745 2. An additional bonus of $500 to each Florida advanced
746 course teacher in a school designated with a grade of "D" or "F"
747 who has at least one student who achieves a minimum score on an
748 assessment identified by the Department of Education pursuant to
749 s. 1007.27(2), regardless of the number of classes taught or of
750 the number of students who achieve a minimum score on an
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751 assessment identified by the Department of Education pursuant to
752 s. 1007.27(2).
753 Section 21. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.
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FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
BILL ANALYSIS
This bill analysis was prepared by nonpartisan committee staff and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
BILL #: PCS for HB 1503 COMPANION BILL: SB 1694 (Avila)
TITLE: Technology Education LINKED BILLS: None
SPONSOR(S): Careers & Workforce Subcommittee RELATED BILLS: None
Committee References
Orig. Comm.: Careers & Workforce
SUMMARY
Effect of the Bill:
The bill provides requirements for general education core courses that integrate technology, including requiring
instruction on the application of artificial intelligence to the subject matter of the course. Additionally, the bill
requires that instruction on artificial intelligence be included in the computer science courses school districts are
required to offer in high schools.
Fiscal or Economic Impact:
None
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
ANALYSIS
EFFECT OF THE BILL:
The bill requires any general education core course that integrates the use of technology to provide students with
the following:
opportunities to improve digital literacy and competency;
instruction on the application of artificial intelligence tools to the course; and
related instruction on software engineering, computer networks, database systems, and cyber security, as
applicable to the course. (Section 1)
Additionally, the bill requires that high school computer science courses offered by school districts include
instruction on artificial intelligence. The proposed changes serve to highlight the importance of emerging
technologies around artificial intelligence and provide Florida students in public high schools and public
postsecondary institutions opportunities to learn about and engage with artificial intelligence. (Sections 2).
The effective date of the bill is July 1, 2026. (Section 3).
RELEVANT INFORMATION
SUBJECT OVERVIEW:
General Education Core Courses
Current law requires that general education core course options shall consist of a maximum of five courses within
each of the subject areas of communication, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.1 Each
general education core course option must contain high-level academic and critical thinking skills and common
1 Section 1007.25(3)(a), F.S. The core courses may be revised, or the five-course maximum within each subject area may be
exceeded, if approved by the State Board of Education and the Board of Governors, as recommended by the subject area
faculty committee and approved by the Articulation Coordinating Committee as necessary for a subject area.
STORAGE NAME: PCS1503.CWS
DATE: 1/26/2026
1
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competencies that students must demonstrate to successfully complete the course.2 Additionally, general
education core courses may not distort significant historical events or include a curriculum that teaches identity
politics, violates the Florida Educational Equity Act, or is based on theories that systemic racism, sexism,
oppression, and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social,
political, and economic inequities.3
General education core courses must meet the following standards:
Communication courses must afford students the ability to communicate effectively, including the ability to
write clearly and engage in public speaking.
Humanities courses must afford students the ability to think critically through the mastering of subjects
concerned with human culture, especially literature, history, art, music, and philosophy, and must include
selections from the Western canon.
Social science courses must afford students an understanding of the basic social and behavioral science
concepts and principles used in the analysis of behavior and past and present social, political, and economic
issues.
Natural science courses must afford students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of
the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and
phenomena.
Mathematics courses must afford students a mastery of foundational mathematical and computation
models and methods by applying such models and methods in problem solving.4
Computer Science Courses
Florida law defines computer science as “the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their
principles, hardware and software designs, applications, and their impact on society.”5 Computer science also
includes computer coding and computer programming.
Public schools are required to provide students in grades K-12 opportunities for learning computer science
including, but not limited to, computer coding and computer programming.6 Such opportunities may include:7
instruction regarding computer coding in elementary and middle school;
instruction to develop computer usage and digital literacy skills in middle school; and
courses in computer science, computer coding, and computer programming in high school, including
opportunities to earn industry certifications related to the courses.
Computer science courses must be offered to students in high school and middle school.8 High school students
must be provided opportunities to take computer science courses and earn technology-related industry
certifications to satisfy high school graduation requirements. Computer science courses and technology-related
industry certifications that are identified as eligible for meeting mathematics or science requirements for high
school graduation must be included in the Course Code Directory.9
2 Section 1007.25(3)(b), F.S.
3 Section 1007.25(3)(c), F.S.
4 Section 1007.25(3)(d), F.S.
5 Section 1007.2616(1), F.S.
6 Id.
7 Id.
8 Section 1007.2616(2)(a), F.S.
9 Section 1007.2616(6), F.S.
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2
PCS for HB 1503
RECENT LEGISLATION:
YEAR BILL #/SUBJECT HOUSE/SENATE OTHER INFORMATION
SPONSOR(S)
2024 CS/CS/HB 1285 - Education Canady/ Burgess The bill became law on July 1,
2024.
2023 CS/CS/CS/SB 266 - Higher Education Andrade/ Grall The bill became law on July 1,
2023.
BILL HISTORY
STAFF
DIRECTOR/ ANALYSIS
COMMITTEE REFERENCE ACTION DATE POLICY CHIEF PREPARED BY
Orig. Comm.: Careers & Workforce Kiner Wolff
Subcommittee
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
3
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
PCS for HB 1503 2026
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to technology education; amending s.
3 1007.25, F.S.; providing a standard for general
4 education core courses with a technology component;
5 amending s. 1007.2616, F.S.; requiring high school
6 computer science courses to include instruction on
7 artificial intelligence; providing an effective date.
8
9 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
10
11 Section 1. Paragraph (e) of subsection (3) of section
12 1007.25, Florida Statutes, is created to read:
13 1007.25 General education courses; common prerequisites;
14 other degree requirements.—
15 (3) The chair of the State Board of Education and the
16 chair of the Board of Governors, or their designees, shall
17 jointly appoint faculty committees to review and recommend to
18 the Articulation Coordinating Committee for approval by the
19 State Board of Education and the Board of Governors statewide
20 general education core course options for inclusion in the
21 statewide course numbering system established under s. 1007.24.
22 Faculty committees shall, by July 1, 2024, and by July 1 every 4
23 years thereafter, review and submit recommendations to the
24 Articulation Coordinating Committee and the commissioner for the
25 removal, alignment, realignment, or addition of general
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F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
PCS for HB 1503 2026
26 education core courses that satisfy the requirements of this
27 subsection.
28 (e) General education core courses that integrate the use
29 of technology must provide students with opportunities to
30 improve digital literacy and competency, instruction on the
31 application of artificial intelligence tools to the course, and
32 related instruction on software engineering, computer networks,
33 database systems, and cyber security, as applicable to the
34 course.
35 Section 2. Subsection (6) of section 1007.2616, Florida
36 Statutes, is amended to read:
37 1007.2616 Computer science and technology instruction.—
38 (6) High school students must be provided opportunities to
39 take computer science courses that include instruction on
40 artificial intelligence and earn technology-related industry
41 certifications to satisfy high school graduation requirements as
42 provided in s. 1003.4282(3). Computer science courses and
43 technology-related industry certifications that are identified
44 as eligible for meeting mathematics or science requirements for
45 high school graduation must be included in the Course Code
46 Directory.
47 Section 3. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.
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