Bill heads to DeSantis paying for families’ swim lessons

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bill is heading to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk to help pay for lower income Florida families’ swim lessons via a new voucher program.

The program applies to children of families who earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level. Per the federal government, a family of four could make a maximum of $62,400 to qualify for this program. A household of three could make a total of $51,540.

Florida would have to create a network of swim lesson vendors with at least one in each county giving access to the new program.

The Florida House of Representatives gave final approval to the bill Tuesday 114-0. It passed the Senate in February 39-0.

Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast, is the sponsor of the legislation, SB 544. Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera, R-Coral Gables, brought the House version.

Hutson had said that drowning-related deaths sparked his concern.

“Drowning deaths in Florida have consistently ranged between 350 and 500 deaths per year in the state form 2003 to present,” he said.

An addition to the bill in the Senate had allowed the Florida Department of Health to create contracts with non-profits to promote swimming safety, and subcontract with local swim vendors.

If signed by DeSantis, the law would take effect July 1.